OU Study Tests Cannabis in Surgical Wound Healing

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma (OU) are embarking on a first-of-its-kind study to examine how cannabis use may affect recovery from facial wounds after head and neck cancer surgery. The study has the potential to reshape medical understanding of cannabis in healing, not only for surgical patients but for other conditions where inflammation, immunity, and tissue repair play a crucial role.

The research¹ is led by Lurdes Queimado, M.D., Ph.D, and Mark Mims, M.D. Their project has been funded with a $100,000 Clinical Translational Grant Award from the Presbyterian Health Foundation in Oklahoma City.

Why Cannabis and Wound Healing Research is Needed

Head and neck cancer surgeries often require tumor removal followed by complex reconstructive procedures. These surgeries can affect critical functions such as swallowing, speaking, and breathing, as well as impact the patient’s facial appearance. Optimizing wound healing in these cases is essential to ensure both functional recovery and aesthetic outcomes.

“Research has shown that there is a high rate of cannabis use among cancer patients – more than 50% in some studies, and up to 80% among those who also use tobacco. But there is very little in the medical literature about how cannabis use affects the healing of wounds,” said Dr. Queimado.

Unlike retrospective studies, which analyze existing medical records, this trial will follow patients for six months after surgery. Participants’ cannabis use will also be verified through blood tests, providing a stronger scientific foundation than self-reporting alone.

OU Study Design: Cannabis, Tobacco, and Healing Outcomes

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The OU research team will enroll 220 adult patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery and subsequent reconstruction. Patients will be divided into four groups: cannabis users, cannabis and tobacco users, tobacco-only users, and non-users of either substance.

The study design allows researchers to understand the distinct effects of cannabis alone, tobacco alone, and their combination on wound healing. It will also separate different methods of administration to examine the effects of various forms of cannabis, including smoking and edibles.

Researchers will track patients for key outcomes such as infection rates, bleeding, surgical complications, and scar formation. By analyzing results across the four groups, the study aims to identify patterns that can guide future recommendations for patients who use cannabis during recovery.

The Science Behind Cannabis and Healing

Cannabis contains a complex mix of bioactive compounds, including cannabinoids like THC and CBD, as well as terpenoids and flavonoids. Together, these elements influence inflammation, immunity, oxidative stress, and microbial activity, all key factors in how wounds repair themselves.

CBD, for example, has been shown to reduce inflammation and modulate immune function, creating conditions that can encourage healthy tissue regrowth. Additionally, antioxidants in cannabis help neutralize excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), unstable molecules that, in high amounts, can interfere with healing. Some cannabinoids also show antimicrobial effects, which may help reduce the risk of infection, while cannabis’s natural analgesic qualities can lessen pain and improve patient comfort during recovery.

Recent research adds further nuance. A study on Cannabis sativa oil found that its antioxidant properties helped regulate ROS levels in both acute and chronic wound models. By limiting oxidative stress, the oil encouraged wounds to progress more smoothly from the inflammatory stage into the healing phase, in some cases outperforming conventional treatments. Another study examined hemp seed oil, which contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids alongside small amounts of cannabinoids and terpenoids. In animal wound models, topical hemp seed oil significantly accelerated healing, leading to smaller wound sizes, faster new tissue formation, and improved vascularization compared to standard antibiotic ointments.

Although much of the research so far has been conducted in animal models or lab settings, the results are encouraging. They point to cannabis’s potential role as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving agent in wound management, making OU’s upcoming study especially significant in confirming how these effects translate to clinical practice.

Cannabis Healing Implications for Surgery and Chronic Disease

While this study centers on head and neck cancer patients, its impact could extend well beyond oncology. Cannabis contains compounds that may play a role in wound repair and immune response. Understanding these effects could help inform practices for other types of surgery, chronic disease management, and conditions where inflammation is central, such as autoimmune disorders.

The study will also evaluate how cannabis use interacts with additional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. This broader perspective may uncover important connections between cannabis and multiple forms of therapy.

Building a Framework for Future Research

The OU team views this study as a foundation for ongoing exploration. By generating reliable data on cannabis’s impact on surgical wound healing, researchers hope to open the door to further studies in other surgical contexts, cancer treatments, and chronic inflammatory diseases.

“I think this study has the potential to have major implications for other types of cancer and surgeries, but also for chronic diseases because inflammation and immunity play a significant role in many conditions, such as autoimmune diseases,” Queimado said. “I think there will be many opportunities for growth into other areas once we have established the framework of this study.”

A Promising Path Forward

As this first-of-its-kind study unfolds, both the medical community and patients will be watching closely. With cannabis gaining recognition for its therapeutic properties, the OU research could provide much-needed clarity on how it influences healing after surgery.

By carefully following patients, accounting for methods of consumption, and examining interactions with other treatments, this research has the potential to transform how cannabis is integrated into modern medicine. The study not only addresses a pressing clinical question, but it may also mark the beginning of a new era in which cannabis plays a meaningful role in wound healing and recovery.

References:

^{1. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. (2025, August 12). OU researchers study effects of cannabis on facial wound healing after surgery. OUHSC News. https://www.ouhsc.edu/news/details/ou-researchers-study-effects-of-cannabis-on-facial-wound-healing-after-surgery}