Screening patients for cannabis use before surgery. New guidelines from the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine recommend universal screening for cannabis use in patients who will be having regional and general anesthesia. Patients who use cannabis should be asked about the type of cannabis product used; the dose and frequency of use; the time of last use; and the route of administration, such as vaping, smoking, or ingesting. Patients should also be assessed for acute intoxication. Increasing use of cannabis and concerns about possible interactions with anesthesia and its effects on pain management prompted the change. According to the guidelines, published in the March issue of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, studies indicate that patients who regularly use cannabis experience more pain and nausea after surgery and may require more medications for pain. Additional recommendations include postponing elective surgery in patients with altered mental status or impaired decision-making, counseling heavy users on the negative effect of cannabis on pain management, and counseling pregnant women on the risks of cannabis use to the unborn child