Assessing marijuana use in bariatric surgery candidates: should it be a contraindication?
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to review literature on cannabis use among bariatric patients, identify gaps, and provide preliminary recommendations for assessment and treatment planning.
Results Summary
The study highlights the lack of research on cannabis use post-bariatric surgery, critiques generalized screening protocols, and calls for more nuanced approaches to assessing marijuana use in this population.
Population
Bariatric surgery patients who use cannabis.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
alcohol use | decrease | health outcomes after bariatric surgery | bariatric surgery patients | - | negative effects | #1 |
tobacco use | decrease | health outcomes after bariatric surgery | bariatric surgery patients | - | negative effects | #2 |
Research has demonstrated negative effects of both alcohol and tobacco use after bariatric surgery. However, no research to date has examined effects of cannabis use after bariatric surgery, even though cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the USA. Literature review reveals that many practitioners generalize from data regarding alcohol abuse to all substances. Further, many screening protocols fail to differentiate between varying levels of cannabis use. The current report aims to (1) review the relevant literature on marijuana use and its potential consequences among bariatric patients, (2) discuss relevant problems and gaps in this literature, and (3) make preliminary recommendations regarding the assessment and treatment planning of bariatric candidates who disclose marijuana use.