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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Smoking Marijuana Affect The Result Of Colonoscopy?

I just received notice that I have a gastroscopy and colonoscopy Thursday morning. The admin who called said not to smoke marijuana within 48hrs of the procedure (I will be under some anesthetics i ve been informed). I suffer serious anxiety and stress issues (that of corse inflame my IBD), I smoke marijuana on a semi-regular basis to help with this. If I have some tomorrow (I am very stressed about the colonscopy as my dr is concerned I could have Chrohns) will I be ok for the procedure? I m hearing some people say I will be fine while others are saying not to. Thank you, S
Sat, 15 Oct 2016
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Anesthesiologist,  's  Response
Hello,

I understand your concern. Despite peoples' opinions, there is a scientific reason behind the prohibition of marijuana use before a medical procedure requiring anesthesia. Smoking weed increases your body's tolerance to the substances used for anesthesia, meaning that, in order for anesthetics to have an effect during the procedure, you would need to take higher doses. This interferes with the procedure and this is not something you would wish as an outcome.
So, I recommend you stop smoking for at least 48 hours before your colonoscopy.
Wishing you all the best
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Can Smoking Marijuana Affect The Result Of Colonoscopy?

Hello, I understand your concern. Despite peoples opinions, there is a scientific reason behind the prohibition of marijuana use before a medical procedure requiring anesthesia. Smoking weed increases your body s tolerance to the substances used for anesthesia, meaning that, in order for anesthetics to have an effect during the procedure, you would need to take higher doses. This interferes with the procedure and this is not something you would wish as an outcome. So, I recommend you stop smoking for at least 48 hours before your colonoscopy. Wishing you all the best