Endoscopies are a type of nonsurgical medical procedure that involves inserting an endoscope into the throat and down into the esophagus.

The tool, known as an endoscope, is used to examine the digestive system with a camera that has been designed into it. Gastroenterologists or other specialists will use this procedure to determine if there are any illnesses that affect the stomach, esophagus, or the upper digestive system. In some cases, patients need to be sedated with anesthesia to perform an endoscopy especially if it’s a high-risk case, or if the patient is pregnant since inserting the scope may irritate the upper area of the gastrointestinal tract. This can cause a gag reflex and major discomfort in some people.

Now, a new study has found that cannabis users may require more anesthesia than usual if they have to undergo an endoscopy.

The study, which was presented during the Digestive Disease Week 2022, involved researchers analyzing 419 adult patients who were about to undergo an endoscopy in Canadian medical centers. The endoscopy was to be performed with conscious sedation wherein the patient and relaxed though partially conscious. All patients were also asked to fill in two surveys, one before the endoscopy regarding their cannabis consumption while the other was after, asking them questions about how aware and comfortable they were during the procedure.

The researchers found that marijuana use was associated with the chances of requiring more anesthesia, such as over 5mg of midazolam, more diphenhydramine, or over 100mcg of fentanyl.

“Patients didn’t have increased awareness or discomfort during procedures, but they did require more drugs,” explains the study’s lead author, Dr. Yasmin Nasser, during a press release by the American Gastroenterological Association.

Same Results As Older Studies

There have been several other studies proving that cannabis users require more anesthesia during surgical procedures, which is a note of caution for consumers.

One report from 2019, which was published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, found that cannabis users may need as much as twice more the normal dosage. The researchers from Colorado analyzed the medical records belonging to 250 patients who underwent endoscopic procedures after 2012, which is when recreational marijuana was legalized in the state. They found that daily or weekly marijuana consumers needed 220% more propofol, 20% more midazolam, and 14% more fentanyl to get to the ideal sedative state for procedures including colonoscopies.

“Some of the sedative medications have dose-dependent side effects, meaning the higher the dose, the greater likelihood for problems,” said head researcher Mark Twardowski, DO. “That becomes particularly dangerous when suppressed respiratory function is a known side effect,” he added. Twardowski also acknowledged that marijuana has interactions with other drugs. “Cannabis has some metabolic effects we don’t understand and patients need to know that their cannabis use might make other medications less effective. We’re seeing some problematic trends anecdotally, and there is virtually no formal data to provide a sense of scale or suggest any evidence-based protocols,” he says.

The researchers also suggest that patient forms asking about their cannabis use is critical for medical professionals to get the information they need to identify the right patient care protocols. “Determining cannabis use before procedural sedation can be an important tool for planning patient care and assessing both medication needs and possible risks related to increased dosage requirements during endoscopic procedures,” they wrote.

Another preliminary study from 2020 revealed that cannabis users who needed to undergo surgical repair for a broken leg needed almost 60% more opioid painkillers each day as they recovered in the hospital.

 “It’s similar to flying a plane. You have a takeoff section, and then you have your cruising section and then your landing. These in anesthesia are induction, maintenance and emergence,” explains Dr. Ian Holmen, resident anesthesiologist at the Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the study’s lead author. “We found that it’s not just in the induction phase of anesthesia that you need more anesthesia, but even during that cruising phase you need more inhaled anesthetic.”

Holmen and his team analyzed the medical records of 118 surgery patients who went in for a broken shin bone. Thirty of them admitted to cannabis use, though the frequency and quantity were unknown. Those patients reported more pain after surgery, requiring more opioid painkillers.

They also found that cannabis users who already have existing lung or heart problems can face serious risks while in operation based on the quantity of anesthesia that they need for surgery. “Sevoflurane has a very clear dose-dependent effect on blood pressure,” says Dr. David Dickerson, who sits as vice chairman of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). “The more sevoflurane you receive in the OR, the more a patient’s blood pressure drops. If you have heart problems or lung problems coming into the OR, it could be dangerous.”

Conclusion

It can be understandable that you feel worried or uncomfortable about sharing your marijuana consumption habits with your health care provider. However, as more states legalize the plant, more doctors are becoming knowledgeable about its use as well as benefits.

Disclosing your cannabis habit to your doctor is extremely important if you are taking prescription medications or may have to undergo endoscopy or any other kind of surgery. Even if your health questionnaire doesn’t ask about it, doing so can make a critical difference in the outcome of your surgery since more sedative use may lead to complications. Last but not least, it’s in your best interest to share your medical history including cannabis consumption.

MARIJUANA USE AND ANESTHESIA, READ MORE..

WHY CANNABIS USERS NEED MORE ANESTHESIA THAN OTHERS!

For weight-conscious individuals, it can be confusing to navigate the CBD market.

But it’s natural even for people at a healthy weight to be interested in maintaining it to avoid being overweight. After all, being overweight or worse, obese, has been associated with numerous preventable illnesses such as stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, coronary heart disease, and more. It’s always in your best interest to keep your weight at a healthy level as much as possible.

It’s known that the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in marijuana products has been linked to inducing appetite and weight gain, albeit at healthy levels when taken in moderation or under medical supervision. So much so that it’s even being used for inducing the appetite of cancer and HIV patients, or those that struggle with eating disorders.

But when it comes to CBD, will it help you lose weight, or will it cause weight gain?

The truth is, there’s no clear-cut answer, though the results can vary depending on many factors. Here’s some food for thought, based on existing studies:

How CBD Affects Metabolism

A 2016 study conducted by Korean researchers focused on the impact of CBD on preadipocytes, which are immature fat cells. Their findings suggest that CBD work in three ways to promote “fat browning” otherwise white fat tissue (scientifically known as white adipose tissue or WAT), since browned fat is more effective in weight loss as well as obesity treatments.

Additionally, brown fat is more efficient in metabolizing fat molecules and blood sugar to help us maintain our body’s temperature. The presence of more white fat in the body can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes while brown fat induces weight loss.

The researchers discovered that CBD works to stimulate genes and proteins that are responsible for breaking down fat. It can also increase the mitochondria activity which strengthens the body’s calorie-burning mechanisms. On top of that, CBD consumption has been found to decrease protein expression for those associated with creating new fat cells in the body.

CBD Decreases Obesity Risk Factors

There are other indirect lifestyle factors that contribute to weight gain. Some of the biggest culprits are stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep.

• Stress: Constant exposure to stress leads to an increase in the production of cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone. Cortisol may be the reason why you tend to look for fatty and sugary foods under times of stress, and it’s also associated with a rise in insulin levels. Research shows that CBD works to reduce cortisol levels especially among people who take 300 or 600 mg of CBD daily.

By addressing stress, you can stop weight loss in its track.

In addition, CBD is also a mood enhancer. When we’re in a better mood, we can be more motivated to exercise. Many studies, including one from 2021, prove CBD’s efficacy in treating mood disorders and anxiety.

CBD Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is extremely common, and this condition is associated with obesity and weight gain. A medical review from 2020 revealed that CBD affects many factors that result in insulin resistance which leads to type 2 diabetes and then weight gain.

For individuals who are genetically predisposed to type 2 diabetes, you may take CBD products as a way to keep your metabolic resistance healthy.

How To Choose CBD Products For Weight Loss

Before going any further, remember that CBD products are not a one-size fits-all solution to lose unwanted pounds. It may cause some people to gain weight while others lose, though there are many factors involved including your lifestyle and metabolism among others.

The myriad of studies out there generally show the consensus that CBD is highly unlikely to cause weight gain by itself. But one also has to keep in mind that marijuana products affect everyone differently; CBD may cause your friend to be hungrier than usual while it may cause you to have a suppressed appetite.

The best way to make use of CBD for weight loss is to also approach it holistically, ensuring you are exercising regularly, eating nutritiously and in accordance with your specific health needs, and getting at least 8 hours of sleep a night.

Having said that, here are things you should look out for when shopping for CBD products that will assist with weight loss:

• Use CBD products that are low in calories, so stay away from sugar-rich gummies that can contribute to weight gain. Low to zero calorie CBD product examples would include unflavored oils, tinctures, and vapes.

• Look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) or third party testing to identify if there are other compounds within the product you are considering purchasing. If CBD products contain a significant amount of THC, you can get high and experience the munchies, causing weight gain over the long run. A COA is essentially proof that the product contains exactly what the manufacturer says and nothing else.

• Experiment with dosages and take note of its effects. It’s generally recommended to start with 5 to 10 mg of CBD within a day. Observe how it makes you feel: does it make you feel relaxed, more alert, focused, or sleepy? Adjust your dose as needed. Eventually you will find the best time and dose to take so that you can modify consumption based on what you need it most. For example, 5mg in the morning may give you a little boost to workout, while 15mg at night can give you the well-rested sleep you need before your morning exercise.

CANNABIS USERS AND POUNDS, READ MORE…

DOES CANNABIS HELP YOU GAIN OR LOOSE WEIGHT?