Upper endoscopy patients who inhale cannabis may need more anesthesia than edible users
Patients who smoke or vape cannabis may need more anesthesia during an upper endoscopy than those who use edibles or do not use cannabis, according to a new study presented at the Anesthesiology 2026 annual meeting.
A new study presented at the Anesthesiology 2026 annual meeting suggests that patients who inhale cannabis may require more anesthesia during upper endoscopy procedures than those who use edibles or do not use cannabis at all. The study, led by Dr. Basavana Goudra from Sidney Kimmel Medical College in Philadelphia, analyzed 280 gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures at a single center, reviewing 264 patients' cannabis use.
While there was no significant difference in the initial propofol dose among all cannabis users compared to nonusers, those who inhaled cannabis required substantially higher doses during upper endoscopy (EGD). Specifically, inhaled cannabis users needed 192.8 mg of propofol, compared to 151.4 mg for nonusers and 145.0 mg for oral cannabis users.
No meaningful differences were observed during colonoscopy. The study highlights the importance of patients being transparent with their anesthesiologists about their cannabis use, including the route (smoking, vaping, or edibles), frequency, and last use.
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