Excessive Marijuana Use Linked to Surgical Complications

A new study has analyzed hospitalization data following major planned non-cardiac surgeries. Half of the patients in the study suffered from a cannabis use disorder. Researchers compared groups of cannabis users and non-users to assess the risks.

The findings showed that cannabis users were more likely to experience complications after surgery. The most significant complications were related to coronary artery blockage, stroke, kidney damage, blood clots, respiratory issues, infections, and in-hospital death.

Although the difference was modest, the authors considered it significant: the risk was 7.73% for patients with a cannabis use disorder compared to 6.57% for non-users. Patients with cannabis use disorder also tended to stay in the hospital longer and had higher medical bills than those without the disorder.

Our other channels

Our friends and partners