Effects of Cannabis Use on Sedation Requirements for Endoscopic Procedures: A Replication Study

On July 1, 2021, cannabis became legal in Virginia for adults 21 years of age and older. Cannabis consumption may have significant implications for outcomes related to medical care, including procedural sedation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether self-reported cannabis consumption has any relationship to sedation medication requirements during endoscopic procedures. A retrospective analysis was conducted to examine two groups of surgical patients (self-reported cannabis use versus self-reported non-cannabis use) at a community hospital in the mid-Atlantic region. Results demonstrate that there were no significant differences between groups for either Time to Aldrete ≥8 (p = .486) or Time to Meet Phase II Criteria (p = .762). Equivalent recovery times for both groups may be an indicator that comparable sedation levels were maintained, despite the increased propofol requirements of the cannabis group. Open conversations to establish patient use of cannabis products prior to procedural sedation is important for determining appropriate plans of care related to risk factors and medication dosage requirements during endoscopic evaluations.