Forget the munchies – a far more serious health concern is emerging for some chronic cannabis users. Over the past decade, emergency rooms have witnessed a troubling increase in patients experiencing sudden, intense episodes of vomiting and abdominal pain. But here's where it gets controversial: these aren't isolated incidents. Many sufferers endure these gut-wrenching attacks multiple times a year, leaving both patients and medical professionals baffled.
So, what exactly is going on?
The culprit is cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition that triggers relentless nausea, abdominal pain, and severe vomiting. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these episodes can strike as often as four or five times an hour. The symptoms typically appear within 24 hours of cannabis use and can persist for days. ER staff have even coined a term for it: "scromiting" – a chilling combination of screaming and vomiting.
The Challenges of Treatment
Despite its growing prevalence, many doctors are still unfamiliar with CHS, making it difficult to differentiate from other conditions. As Dr. Beatriz Carlini, a research associate professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, points out, misdiagnosis can lead to multiple, costly emergency room visits.
But even after a diagnosis, treatment is challenging. There are currently no FDA-approved therapies, and standard anti-nausea medications often fail. This forces clinicians to explore alternative options, including Haldol, a medication usually used for psychotic episodes. Some patients find limited relief by applying capsaicin cream to their stomachs or by taking hot baths and showers. "That’s something that can clinch the diagnosis for me, when someone says they’re better with a hot shower," says Dr. Chris Buresh, an emergency medicine specialist with UW Medicine and Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Recovery and Relapse
Even after symptoms subside, long-term recovery is difficult. Because CHS strikes intermittently, some users mistakenly attribute an episode to something else and continue using cannabis, only to fall ill again. For those who try to quit, addiction can make abstinence a major challenge. The only way to fully cure the condition is to stop using cannabis.
Who Is at Risk?
Scientists don’t know the exact cause of CHS, but the leading theory is that long-term overstimulation of receptors in the endocannabinoid system disrupts the body’s natural control of nausea and vomiting. Why some cannabis users are affected while others are not remains a mystery. "It seems like there’s a threshold when people can become vulnerable to this condition, and that threshold is different for everyone," Dr. Buresh explains. Even small amounts of cannabis can trigger symptoms in susceptible individuals.
A study by George Washington University found that starting cannabis use earlier in life was linked to a higher likelihood of future ER visits for hyperemesis symptoms. Daily and prolonged use were also common, with 44% reporting regular use for over five years before the syndrome appeared. And this is the part most people miss: CHS isn't just an adult problem. Research shows that emergency department visits among adolescents in the US have increased more than 10-fold from 2016 to 2023.
A Growing Recognition
On October 1, the World Health Organization formally recognized cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, adding an official diagnosis code to its manual. The CDC has also incorporated the new code into US diagnostic systems. Experts say this update offers several benefits, including giving researchers a clearer picture of how often CHS occurs and helping providers spot repeat episodes during future visits.
Controversy & Comment Hooks:
This is a complex issue with potentially serious health implications. What are your thoughts on the increasing prevalence of CHS? Do you think the potential risks of cannabis use are being adequately addressed? Share your opinions in the comments below!
