New Tool Helps Anesthesiologists Screen for Cannabis Use

The key finding

Researchers in 2025 created the Cannabis Use and Behaviors Assessment Tool (CUBAT), the first evidence-based, consensus-driven screening instrument designed specifically for preanesthesia evaluations. Developed by eight experts across the United States using a modified Delphi process—a structured method for achieving expert consensus—the tool includes seven key assessment items, a glossary of cannabis-related terms, and usage instructions. This standardized framework aims to help anesthesia providers gather accurate information about patients’ cannabis consumption patterns to develop more personalized anesthesia and pain management plans.

What the study looked like

This wasn’t a traditional patient study but rather a tool-development project using a modified Delphi methodology. Eight anesthesia experts from various U.S. locations participated in multiple survey rounds to build consensus on what information matters most when assessing cannabis use before surgery. The team began with an evidence synthesis—reviewing existing research on cannabis and anesthesia interactions—then went through two rounds of structured surveys where experts proposed, debated, and refined assessment questions. Each round integrated feedback and evidence-based revisions until the group reached agreement on the final tool’s content. The result was a practical instrument that includes not just questions but also definitions of cannabis-related terminology that patients and providers might encounter, recognizing that cannabis use has become increasingly common and varied in form (edibles, vaping, oils, smoking).

Why researchers think this happened

The development team recognized a critical gap in preoperative care: despite growing cannabis legalization and use across the United States, no standardized method existed for anesthesia providers to systematically assess patients’ cannabis consumption. Cannabis use can influence anesthesia requirements, pain tolerance, and postoperative outcomes, yet conversations about it during preanesthesia evaluations have been inconsistent and often incomplete. Patients may hesitate to disclose use due to stigma or legal concerns, and providers may lack a structured approach to ask relevant questions. By creating a consensus-based tool grounded in current evidence, the researchers aimed to normalize these conversations and ensure that critical information—such as frequency of use, consumption method, potency, and timing relative to surgery—gets consistently captured. This structured approach mirrors successful screening tools used for alcohol and tobacco, which have long been standard in preoperative assessments.

How to read this carefully

This study describes tool development, not patient outcomes, so we don’t yet know whether using CUBAT actually improves anesthesia safety or pain management compared to current practice. The Delphi method relies on expert opinion achieving consensus, which is valuable but represents professional judgment rather than experimental evidence. The tool will need validation studies showing it reliably collects accurate information and, more importantly, whether acting on that information leads to better patient experiences or outcomes. Additionally, the eight experts came from the United States, where cannabis legal status and cultural attitudes vary widely by state, potentially limiting the tool’s applicability in regions with different cannabis landscapes. Patient willingness to honestly report use—particularly in states where cannabis remains illegal—wasn’t tested in this development phase.

What this means for everyday life

If you use cannabis in any form and have surgery scheduled, this development suggests the conversation with your anesthesia team may become more structured and specific. Rather than a vague “do you use marijuana?” question, you might encounter detailed questions about how often you consume, what form you use, when you last used it, and why you use it (recreational versus medical). Given this trend toward systematic cannabis assessment, it might be worth preparing honest answers to these questions before your preanesthesia appointment—your anesthesia team isn’t there to judge but to dose medications safely and manage your pain effectively. The differences in how cannabis affects anesthesia requirements mean that accurate information could influence your care plan, though more research is needed to fully understand these interactions.