Cannabis and its effect on anesthesia.

Anesthetists are aware of the growing popularity of marijuana (cannabis). They see more of their patients admitting to its use. However, many anesthetists are not aware of the potential adverse effects which may occur if marijuana is taken prior to the administration of an anesthetic. By itself, marijuana may cause cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac and respiratory depression, or even pulmonary edema. In conjunction with an anesthetic, marijuana can cause severe complications.