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Opioid Usage in the PACU Following Operative Distal Radius Fracture Repairs in Marijuana Users.
Alexander Bouterse1, Ian Ridge2, Daniel Wongworawat2
1Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California.
Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances
|March 11, 2026
Summary
This study found that marijuana users required significantly fewer opioids for post-operative pain management after surgery. Cannabis may offer an alternative to opioids for surgical pain control.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Pain Management
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Widespread marijuana legalization raises questions about its medical applications.
- Cannabis is being explored as an alternative to opioids for surgical pain.
- Limited research exists on perioperative cannabis use and its effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of marijuana use on post-operative opioid requirements.
- To compare pain management in marijuana users versus non-users undergoing distal radius fracture fixation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study.
- Analysis of morphine milliequivalents (Meq) for post-operative pain.
- One-to-one propensity matching between marijuana users and non-users.
Main Results:
- Marijuana users required 94 fewer Meq of opioids post-operatively (p = 0.041).
- Comparable pain scores were achieved in marijuana users despite reduced opioid administration.
- Findings suggest a potential link between marijuana use and decreased opioid needs.
Conclusions:
- Marijuana use may be associated with reduced opioid requirements for surgical pain.
- Cannabis could play a role in lessening reliance on opioids.
- Further research is warranted on perioperative cannabis use for pain management.
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