Cannabis use and IV sedation during wisdom tooth removal

Impact of Cannabis Use During Third Molar Surgery

University of Michigan · NCT07423195

This project will see if people who use cannabis need different IV sedative doses or have different vital signs and breathing during wisdom tooth removal compared with people who don't use cannabis.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment242 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Michigan (other)
Locations1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT07423195 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study compares people who report recreational cannabis use to people who report no use while they receive IV sedation for removal of mandibular third molars. Researchers will record sedative doses, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate during the procedure and collect preoperative questionnaires. For self-reported users, a small hair or fingernail sample (and optionally extracted teeth) will be tested for cannabinoids, while non-users will provide a urine screen before surgery. All data and deidentified samples will be collected and analyzed through the University of Michigan Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery clinic.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are generally healthy individuals age 16 or older (ASA I–II) scheduled for removal of at least one mandibular third molar who either regularly use cannabis or report no cannabis use.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or lactating, have BMI ≥40, significant cardiovascular disease, third-molar pathology, or other conditions that increase surgical risk are excluded and unlikely to benefit directly from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, findings could help dentists and anesthesiologists personalize IV sedation and monitoring for patients who use cannabis to improve safety and comfort.

How similar studies have performed: Prior small studies and case reports suggest cannabis use can affect anesthetic requirements and respiratory responses, but larger, well-controlled observational data are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Provide a signed and dated informed consent form.
* Willing to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study.
* Aged ≥ 16 years old.
* Presence at least one mandibular 3rd molar
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status class I or II

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pathology (cyst or tumor) associated with the third molar tooth;
* Health comorbidities (BMI 40 and above, and severe cardiovascular disease);
* Pregnancy or lactation
* Anything that would place the individual at increased risk or preclude the individual's full compliance with or completion of the study.

Where this trial is running

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cannabis Use, Marijuana Usage, Sedation and Analgesia, Wisdom Tooth, Wisdom tooth, Cannabis use, Sedation and analgesia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.