After ingesting marijuana, how long must a patient fast before sedation?

• A. 1-2 hours
• B. 6 hours
• C. 8 hours
• D. 12 hours

Answer: (A)

Fasting before sedation aims to reduce the risk of aspiration while allowing timely care. When marijuana is ingested, its effects are most pronounced soon after use but tend to lessen within a few hours, and it doesn’t typically leave the stomach in the same way as a heavy, fatty meal. If the patient is not acutely intoxicated and there isn’t a significant gastric load, a short fast of about one to two hours follows standard guidelines for clear liquids and allows proceeding with sedation safely. Longer fasting times would delay needed treatment without adding much safety when there’s no recent heavy meal or active intoxication. Always assess for ongoing intoxication and follow your facility’s NPO policies; postpone if there are signs of active impairment or risk.