How Tobacco And Marijuana Use Affect Your Surgery And Recovery

If you smoke, vape or use marijuana, you may wonder whether it could affect your upcoming surgery. The short answer is yes. Tobacco and cannabis can increase surgical risks, affect anesthesia and slow healing after your procedure. The good news is that stopping smoking, even a few weeks before surgery, can improve your recovery and lower your risk of complications.

Franciscan Health surgeons share expert advice about how tobacco and marijuana use can impact your surgery and your healing.

Key Takeaways: Smoking, Tobacco, Marijuana And Surgery

• Smoking tobacco or using marijuana before surgery increases the risk of breathing problems during or after surgery, and poor wound healing.
• Nicotine and carbon monoxide reduce oxygen levels in the blood, making it harder for the body to recover from anesthesia.
• Marijuana use can affect how a patient responds to anesthesia, often requiring higher doses for effective sedation.
• Quitting or pausing use for several weeks before a procedure significantly improves surgical outcomes and reduces the risk of infection.

Why Should I Stop Smoking Before Surgery?

“Patients should avoid any substances before surgery. This includes marijuana (cannabis) and tobacco,” said Jovenel Cherenfant, MD, a general surgeon at Franciscan Health Munster. “Even though some people think cannabis leaves your system quickly, studies show it can linger for up to 30 days. That can interfere with how your body responds to anesthesia. It can also lead to serious issues like low blood pressure, irregular heart rate or deeper sedation than expected.”

It’s important to know that tobacco use damages your lungs and airways. This makes it harder to breathe under anesthesia. It also increases your risk for surgery complications, such as pneumonia or slow wound healing. Quitting, even for a short time, helps clear your system and lowers your risk.

“If you smoke or drink, it’s best to cut that out at least two or three weeks before surgery,” said Jessica Blandford, MD, board-certified general surgeon at Franciscan Health Munster and Dyer. “That window allows your lungs and blood vessels to start to heal. This will improve oxygen flow to your tissues and help wounds close properly after surgery.”  

Dr. Blandford added that quitting before surgery can make a big difference in how you feel mentally.

“Surgery can be stressful. You will feel more in control of your recovery when you take steps to quit smoking or drinking,” she said.  

Both surgeons said quitting makes a real difference in your surgical outcome and recovery.

“When you stop smoking and drinking ahead of your surgery, your body has time to start to heal,” Dr. Blandford explained.

Can Smoking Increase My Risk During Surgery?

Smoking harms almost every part of your body, including how you heal after surgery. It limits blood flow, which makes it harder for oxygen and nutrients to reach the areas that need to heal. “This raises your risk of infections, delays wound healing and prolongs recovery,” Dr. Blandford said. 

It also makes breathing under anesthesia harder. Smokers are more likely to experience lung complications. This can include pneumonia or airway irritation, which can lead to longer hospital stays.

If you’ve smoked for years, quitting, even just a few weeks before surgery, can greatly reduce these risks.

“It’s never too late to quit,” Dr. Blandford said.

Should I Stop Using Marijuana Before Surgery?

Marijuana may seem harmless, but it can affect your surgery.

“Cannabis, especially THC, changes how your body responds to anesthesia,” Dr. Cherenfant said. “It can cause unexpected drops in blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms or deeper sedation than we want.”

Vaping cannabis or using edibles can also affect your body’s response.

“Whether you smoke, vape or use edibles, it’s safest to avoid cannabis before surgery. We want your system to be clear so we can manage your anesthesia safely and effectively,” he said.

Want to learn more about how marijuana affects your health? Read our blog on marijuana and your health here.  

When Should I Talk With My Surgeon?

Contact your surgeon or care team if:

• You smoke cigarettes, cigars or vape nicotine.
• You use marijuana, THC products or cannabis edibles.
• You're having trouble quitting before surgery.
• You recently stopped smoking and have withdrawal symptoms.
• You're unsure which substances could affect anesthesia.

The sooner your provider knows about tobacco or marijuana use, the better they can help prepare you for a safe surgery and recovery.

What If I Can’t Quit Completely?

Quitting is hard, and your doctors understand that. If you can’t stop completely, be honest with your care team. They can still take steps to manage your risks, like adjusting your anesthesia plan or providing extra monitoring during and after surgery.

“The most important thing is to be upfront,” Dr. Cherenfant said. “We’re here to help you have a safe procedure, and knowing what’s in your system helps us do that.”

Your Surgery Success Starts With Quitting Tobacco And Marijuana

“Quitting tobacco and marijuana, even for a short time, can help you have a safer surgery and smoother recovery,” said Dr. Cherenfant.

Need help quitting? Franciscan Health’s Aspire program offers personalized support and resources to help you stop smoking and vaping. Learn more about the Aspire Quit Smoking & Vaping Program.

Franciscan Health offers a full range of surgical services, from minimally invasive procedures to complex surgeries. Our experienced surgical teams use the latest technology to deliver the best outcomes. Explore our surgical services.

Frequently Asked Questions: Smoking And Surgery

Can I smoke the day before surgery?

No. Smoking tobacco or marijuana even one day before surgery can affect oxygen levels, breathing and your body’s ability to heal from the surgery.

How long should I stop smoking before surgery?

Many surgeons recommend stopping smoking at least two to three weeks before surgery to allow the lungs and blood vessels time to recover.

Should I tell my surgeon if I use marijuana?

Always tell your surgeon and anesthesiologist about any marijuana use, including edibles. Marijuana can affect anesthesia and surgical safety. These effects can include:

• Respiratory problems
• Higher risk of heart attack or stroke
• Problems managing pain
• Longer healing time
• Withdrawal symptoms after surgery.

Does vaping affect surgery?

Yes. Nicotine vaping can impact blood flow, oxygen delivery and healing after surgery.

Does weed affect anesthesia?

Using weed can impact your surgery day and your healing process. According to the American Association of Anesthesiologists, marijuana use can impact:

• How much anesthesia you need  
• What medications you’ll need after surgery to manage pain
• Possible adverse interactions with other medications
• Your risk for nausea, vomiting and cannabis withdrawal symptoms after surgery
• Your risk for heart or lung complications. 

What happens if I cannot quit smoking before surgery?

Be honest with your care team. They may adjust your anesthesia plan and monitoring to help reduce risks during your hospital stay.