What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Addiction.

Where was this research published?

Published in Spine on January 20, 2026.

Addiction

Cannabis Before Spine Surgery: Hidden Risks Revealed

Q: What did this research study find?

**58.84 MME increase in inpatient opioid use** for preoperative *cannabis* users

Impact of Preoperative Cannabis use on Clinical Outcomes of Spinal Fusion - Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Spine • January 20, 2026 • Highly Relevant

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AI Summary

A comprehensive meta-analysis has revealed significant risks for patients using cannabis before undergoing spinal fusion surgery. The study analyzed 1,920 patients, with 386 cannabis users, uncovering potential complications that patients and surgeons should carefully consider.

The research found notable increases in several key surgical outcomes for cannabis users. Patients with preoperative cannabis use experienced 58.84 more morphine milligram equivalents (MME) of opioid consumption during hospitalization. Moreover, they demonstrated higher rates of hospital readmission (70% increase) and a nearly 4-fold increase in reoperation rates. Importantly, while perioperative complications did not significantly rise, the overall surgical trajectory appeared more challenging for cannabis-using patients.

Clinicians are now advised to counsel patients about reducing or ceasing cannabis use before spinal procedures. This recommendation stems from clear evidence that preoperative cannabis consumption can negatively impact surgical recovery and increase medical intervention requirements. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive patient screening and personalized surgical preparation.

💡 Key Findings

58.84 MME increase in inpatient opioid use for preoperative cannabis users

High

85%

70% higher hospital readmission rate for patients with preoperative cannabis consumption

High

80%

3.78x higher reoperation risk associated with preoperative cannabis use

Good

75%

📄 Original Abstract

Systematic review and meta-analysis. To explore the impact of preoperative cannabis use on perioperative outcomes of spinal fusion procedures. of background data: Opioid use disorder is a growing problem, especially in the United States. Cannabis use is increasingly being adopted as an alternative method of pain management. However, it remains unclear how a history of preoperative cannabis use impacts opioid consumption, length of hospitalization, or perioperative complications in spinal fusion procedures. The Authors searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for studies where outcomes of spinal fusion were compared between patients preoperatively exposed and non-exposed to active cannabis use. A total of 7 retrospective studies and 1,920 patients (386 cannabis users) were included. Significant increase in in-hospital opioid use (MD 58.84 MME; 95% CI 29.75 to 87.93; P<0.01), readmission (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.87; P=0.045), and reoperation (OR 3.78; 95% CI 2.06 to 6.94; P<0.001) was observed in the cannabis group. Studies showed no significant increase in surgical complications. A history of preoperative cannabis use may be associated with poorer surgical outcomes, including increased perioperative opioid utilization and a higher rate of postoperative hospital readmissions. Patients should be informed in detail about these risks, and clinicians should screen for them. Counsel patients to cease or at least reduce the use of cannabis before a spinal fusion procedure, in order to minimize surgical complications.