If you take CBD for sleep, stress or recovery, it’s normal to ask: should I stop CBD before surgery?
The honest answer is: don’t guess. Surgery and anaesthesia are situations where your team needs the full picture — including supplements like CBD.
This guide is UK-focused, updated for 2026, and written to help you walk into your pre-op appointment knowing exactly what to do and what to say.
Quick answer (UK, 2026)
- Tell your surgeon/anaesthetist you use CBD (even if it’s “THC-free”).
- Do not take CBD on the day of surgery unless your clinician explicitly says it’s OK.
- Follow your hospital’s pre-op instructions if they tell you to stop supplements a set number of days before.
- If you’re a daily high-dose user or you’re mixing CBD with other sedatives/meds, ask your pre-assessment team if you should stop earlier.
Important: This article is not medical advice. Always follow your surgeon/anaesthetist’s instructions over anything online.
Why surgeons & anaesthetists care about CBD
Most people think “CBD is natural, so it doesn’t matter.” The reality is: CBD can still affect the preoperative plan — especially when combined with anaesthetic drugs, painkillers, anti-nausea medications, or sedatives.
1) Anaesthetic dosing & recovery can vary
Clinicians increasingly screen for cannabinoid use because it can influence anaesthesia needs, side effects, and post-op pain/nausea management.
2) CBD can interact with some medications
CBD is commonly discussed alongside “grapefruit warning” interactions, because it may affect how some drugs are metabolised.
3) Surgery is a high-stakes moment for side effects
Even mild issues (extra drowsiness, dizziness, lower blood pressure, nausea) matter more when you’re fasting, being sedated, or recovering from an operation.
When to stop CBD before surgery
Because procedures vary (local vs sedation vs general anaesthetic), the safest approach is:
- Stop CBD on the day of surgery (unless told otherwise).
- If your hospital says “stop supplements” X days before, treat CBD as a supplement and follow that rule.
- If you use CBD daily and your surgery involves general anaesthetic, ask your pre-assessment team: “Should I stop CBD earlier than the day before?”
What if you’re using CBD for anxiety or sleep right before surgery?
This is very common. Instead of self-adjusting CBD last minute, speak to the team — they can suggest safer, predictable options for pre-op anxiety and sleep based on your history and medications.
What to tell your surgical team (simple checklist)
Copy/paste this into your notes for your pre-assessment call:
- Product type: CBD oil / capsules / balm / gummies / vape
- How often: occasional / weekly / daily
- Your typical dose: mg per day (or “X drops / X capsules”)
- Last time used: date & time
- Why you take it: sleep / anxiety / pain / recovery
- Other supplements: magnesium, herbs, sleep aids, etc.
- Prescription meds: especially sedatives, antidepressants, opioids, blood thinners
The goal is not judgement — it’s safety and a smoother recovery plan.
CBD, blood thinners & “grapefruit warning” meds
This is the part most people miss. If you take medication that already has known interaction warnings (often described as “don’t take with grapefruit”), your clinician may want you to be extra cautious with CBD pre-op.
Common examples to flag to your clinician
- Blood thinners (e.g. warfarin or other anticoagulants)
- Anti-seizure meds
- Some antidepressants or sedatives
- Some heart and blood pressure medications
Read more: Grapefruit Warning Explained (CBD & meds)
Can you take CBD after surgery?
Sometimes — but only once your clinician says it’s appropriate. Post-op is when you’re most likely to be given medications that can interact or stack sedating effects (painkillers, anti-nausea meds, antibiotics, sleeping tablets).
A sensible “rule of thumb”
- If you’re prescribed strong pain relief or sedatives: avoid adding CBD unless cleared.
- If your procedure is minor and you’re not on interacting meds: your clinician may allow you to resume later.
- If you want to use CBD for recovery: ask directly, and mention the exact product type (oil vs capsules vs balm).
Evopure options (when CBD is appropriate)
If your clinician confirms CBD is appropriate for you (and the timing is safe), here are simple options depending on your goal:
For daily calm & daytime balance
- Flow CBD Oil
- CBD Capsules (easy, consistent dosing)
- Organic Broad Spectrum CBD Oil (simple, minimalist)
For sleep support
For physical recovery & targeted comfort
- Relief CBD Oil
- Organic CBD Balm (topical option)
Note: If you have surgery scheduled, don’t start a brand new supplement routine without checking with your clinician first.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop CBD before surgery in the UK?
In most cases, you should tell your surgical team you use CBD and avoid taking it on the day of surgery unless your clinician says otherwise. Follow any hospital instructions about stopping supplements beforehand.
How long before surgery should I stop taking CBD?
It depends on your procedure, how often you use CBD, and your medications. A safe baseline is to avoid CBD on the day of surgery and ask your pre-assessment team if you should stop earlier.
Can CBD interact with anaesthetic drugs?
It can affect the perioperative plan, especially when combined with sedatives, pain medications or drugs with known interaction warnings. That’s why disclosure to your anaesthetist matters.
Can I use CBD balm before or after surgery?
Topicals may be treated differently, but you should still tell your clinician about any CBD product you use. After surgery, check first — especially if you’re prescribed pain relief or other medications.
What if I use CBD for anxiety and I’m nervous about surgery?
Tell your surgical team. They can advise safer, predictable options for pre-op anxiety based on your health and medications. Avoid last-minute self-adjustments without medical guidance.
Final thoughts
If you remember one thing, make it this: don’t hide CBD use from your anaesthetist. It’s one of the easiest ways to avoid avoidable problems and get the safest plan.
Stop CBD on the day of surgery unless told otherwise, follow your hospital’s instructions, and ask directly if you should stop earlier — especially if you use CBD daily or take prescription medications.
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