On June 18, 2024, the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists was proud to host the symposium “Communicating Cannabis Use Before Surgery”, featuring Deondra Asike, MD, double board certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine.
Dr. Asike discusses the importance of cannabis in perioperative care, emphasizing its physiological effects, potential drug interactions, and considerations for patients using cannabis who are undergoing surgery. She highlights the need for healthcare professionals to screen for cannabis use, the dynamic pharmacokinetic profiles of cannabis, and practical suggestions for safe and effective pre-anesthesia evaluations.
The presentation includes case studies, patient interaction examples, and peer-reviewed recommendations for managing cannabis users in a medical setting. Attendees are encouraged to actively participate and ask questions, with a particular focus on the implications of acute and chronic cannabis use on anesthesia and post-operative care.
Additional discussions cover the administration's role, educational outreach, and the compassionate integration of cannabis into pain management, particularly for veterans. The session closes with remarks on the need for better access and affordability for cannabis care.
Take Dr. Asike's course on Approach to Cannabis and Anesthesia here.