Cannabis users require more sedation for endoscopy compared to non users

Patients who use cannabis required higher levels of sedation during gastric endoscopies than non-users, according to research to be presented at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2022. As cannabis is legalized in more places and usage rises, clinicians should be aware of patients' habits and prepare themselves and their patients for increased sedation and accompanying risks, researchers said.

"Patients didn't have increased awareness or discomfort during procedures, but they did require more drugs," said Yasmin Nasser, MD, PhD, lead researcher on the study and assistant professor at Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases Cumming School of Medicine University of Calgary.

Researchers conducted a prospective cohort study of 419 adult outpatients undergoing endoscopic procedures at three Canadian centers. Procedures were conducted under conscious sedation, which leaves the patient relaxed and comfortable but partially conscious during the procedure.

Each patient completed two questionnaires, one before the procedure about their cannabis use and another afterwards indicating their awareness and comfort level during the procedure. The questionnaires were analyzed along with details about the use of the sedatives midazolam, fentanyl and diphenhydramine during the procedure.