# Why cannabis and anesthesia are a high-risk combination – > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/why-cannabis-and-anesthesia-are-a-high-risk-combination-kevinmd-com/ > **Published:** 2026-08-25T17:25:22-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:42:32-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore the unpredictable interactions between cannabis and anesthesia, highlighting risks for surgical patients. --- ✦ New CED Clinical Relevance #67 Notable Clinical Interest Emerging findings or policy developments worth monitoring closely. SleepPainMental HealthSafetyPediatricsResearchPolicy Why This Matters This article matters for clinicians and their patients as it highlights potential unpredictable interactions between cannabis and anesthesia, which could impact patient safety during surgical procedures. As a pediatric anesthesiologist, Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed’s insights provide valuable information for [healthcare professionals](https://cedclinic.com/women-reproductive-health-cannabis-applications/) to consider when managing patients who use cannabis prior to undergoing anesthesia. This knowledge can help optimize care and reduce risks associated with this high-risk combination in [clinical practice](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-reproductive-health-women-clinical-evidence/). Clinical Summary In the article from KevinMD.com, it is highlighted that the interaction between cannabis and anesthesia can be unpredictable, potentially leading to adverse effects during surgery. Pediatric anesthesiologist Zulfiqar Ahmed emphasizes the importance of patients disclosing their [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) prior to procedures due to potential impacts on anesthetic management and [patient care](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-risk-impact/). Clinicians should be aware of these risks and consider them when planning anesthesia for patients who use cannabis. Dr. Caplan’s Take “As a seasoned family physician specializing in [cannabis medicine](https://cedclinic.com/essential-oils-industrial-hemp-antimicrobial-benefits/), I find the interactions between cannabis and anesthesia to be complex and unpredictable – a combination that warrants careful consideration in [clinical practice](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-reproductive-health-women-clinical-evidence/).” Clinical Perspective In the article titled “Why cannabis and anesthesia are a high-risk combination” on KevinMD.com, Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed highlights the complex interaction between cannabis and anesthetics, emphasizing their unpredictable nature. This intersection poses significant risks in [clinical practice](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-reproductive-health-women-clinical-evidence/), particularly when managing pediatric patients. Confounding factors such as the type and dose of cannabis, timing of its use relative to anesthesia administration, and individual patient characteristics can greatly influence the outcome. Clinically, healthcare providers should be vigilant about screening for [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/), adjust anesthetic management strategies accordingly, and consider extended monitoring post-procedure due to potential drug interactions and altered responses. 💬 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/sleep/) Have thoughts on this? 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