# Impact of Cannabis Use Disorder on Surgical Complications After Anterior Cervical Surgery > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-disorder-surgical-complications-risk/ > **Published:** 2026-04-16T10:02:39-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-29T00:07:06-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore the impact of cannabis use disorder surgical complications on anterior cervical spine surgery outcomes and perioperative risks. --- ✦ New CED Clinical Relevance  #70Notable Clinical Interest  Emerging findings or policy developments worth monitoring closely. ⚒ Cannabis News  |  CED Clinic Surgery[Cannabis Use Disorder](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/)Perioperative CareSpine SurgeryRisk Assessment Why This Matters This appears to be the first study examining surgical outcomes specifically in patients with documented [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) disorder undergoing anterior cervical spine procedures. Understanding perioperative risks associated with [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) patterns becomes increasingly relevant as medical and recreational cannabis access expands. Clinical Summary Without access to the full study methodology and results, the clinical implications remain unclear. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedures carry baseline risks including bleeding, infection, and airway complications that could theoretically be influenced by cannabis use patterns. Previous research has suggested cannabis may affect wound healing, immune response, and anesthetic requirements, though data remains limited and inconsistent across different surgical contexts. Dr. Caplan’s Take “I need to see the actual data before drawing clinical conclusions. The title suggests they found an association, but whether this represents causation, confounding, or clinically meaningful risk differences requires examining their methodology and effect sizes.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Clinicians should continue standard preoperative cannabis use screening and counseling about potential surgical risks. Until we have clearer evidence, the focus should remain on honest patient communication about all substance use rather than assuming specific risk profiles. This study may inform future preoperative protocols once peer-reviewed results are available. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/forum/cannabis-industry/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Impact%20of%20cannabis%20use%20disorder%20on%20risk%20of%20surgical%20complications%20following%20ante...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00586-026-09949-3)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00586-026-09949-3)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Impact%20of%20cannabis%20use%20disorder%20on%20risk%20of%20surgical%20complications%20following%20ante...%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00586-026-09949-3)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://substack.com/@doctorapproved)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/category/cannabis-news/feed/) 📰 Source: [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00586-026-09949-3](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00586-026-09949-3) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[What is the clinical significance of cannabis use disorder in surgical patients?](#What_is_the_clinical_significance_of_cannabis_use_disorder_in_surgical_patients) - [How does cannabis use affect spine surgery specifically?](#How_does_cannabis_use_affect_spine_surgery_specifically) - [Should patients stop using cannabis before surgery?](#Should_patients_stop_using_cannabis_before_surgery) - [What perioperative complications are associated with cannabis use?](#What_perioperative_complications_are_associated_with_cannabis_use) - [How should healthcare providers screen for cannabis use before surgery?](#How_should_healthcare_providers_screen_for_cannabis_use_before_surgery) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### What is the clinical significance of cannabis use disorder in surgical patients? [Cannabis use disorder](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/) can significantly impact perioperative care and surgical outcomes. Patients with this condition may require modified anesthetic protocols and enhanced monitoring during surgery. #### How does cannabis use affect spine surgery specifically? Cannabis use can influence pain perception, wound healing, and recovery times in spine surgery patients. Surgeons need to consider these factors when planning treatment and setting expectations for outcomes. #### Should patients stop using cannabis before surgery? Most medical professionals recommend discontinuing cannabis use before elective surgery to minimize complications. The timing and approach to cessation should be discussed with the surgical team and may require [addiction medicine](https://cedclinic.com/cognitive-flexibility-alcohol-cocaine-misuse-effects/) consultation. #### What perioperative complications are associated with cannabis use? Cannabis use can lead to increased anesthetic requirements, respiratory complications, and altered pain management needs. It may also affect cardiovascular stability and recovery from anesthesia. #### How should healthcare providers screen for cannabis use before surgery? Providers should conduct thorough substance use screenings as part of preoperative assessment. This includes asking about frequency, method of use, and timing of last consumption to optimize surgical planning. [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. 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[Read More](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-counseling-new-research-insights/) [Here's what the research says about what #cannabis is really doing to your brain. @wapo](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-neurological-effects-brain-research/) Understand the latest scientific findings on cannabis effects on brain function and health. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-neurological-effects-brain-research/) [Cannabis research](https://cedclinic.com/pediatric-cannabis-certification-care-children/) is more than a scientific pursuit—it's a pathway to better health, informed … Discover how [cannabis research](https://cedclinic.com/pediatric-cannabis-certification-care-children/) informs clinical practice and [patient care](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-risk-impact/) advancements. Explore Insights ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).