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In recent years, marijuana has become more widely used, both for recreational and medical reasons. While many people see it as a harmless substance, there’s a lesser-known condition called Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) that can cause serious health problems for some users. CHS leads to severe, long-lasting vomiting, and it’s mostly linked to long-term marijuana use.
In simple terms, hyperemesis means excessive vomiting. It can happen for a lot of reasons, like infections or stomach issues. But when it comes to Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), it’s specifically caused by regular marijuana use. People with CHS can experience intense nausea and vomiting that’s so bad they might need to go to the hospital to get treated for dehydration or other issues. Often accompanied by intense pain, the person with CHS might scream while vomiting, which gives rise to the expression- scromiting.
Though it might sound rare, CHS has been recognized more in the medical community in recent years. It mostly affects people who use marijuana regularly for a long period. We still don’t know exactly what causes it, but the link between marijuana use and severe vomiting is becoming clearer. If you or a loved one is struggling with the effects of cannabis, you’re not alone. At Northview Wellness Center, our caring team offers personalized treatment plans to help you regain control and build healthier coping strategies. Contact us today and take the first step toward a healthier future.
Explore Further (Click to expand for more details on the risks of marijuana dependence and how we can help.)
What Are the Symptoms of CHS?
The symptoms of CHS usually show up after using marijuana for a long time, and they can get pretty distressing. There are three main stages:
- Early Stage: This is when you might start feeling mild nausea and discomfort. It might seem like a regular stomach issue at first, so it can be easy to overlook. Over time, though, it gets worse.
- Hyperemetic Stage (Severe Vomiting): This is when the severe vomiting kicks in. People can throw up several times a day and not feel any relief, even after vomiting. This stage can last for hours or days and can lead to dehydration and weight loss.
- Recovery Stage: If someone stops using marijuana, the vomiting typically stops too. When they quit using marijuana for a while, their symptoms go away. But if they start using marijuana again, the vomiting can come back.
The exact reason why marijuana causes CHS isn’t fully understood yet. However, researchers think it has something to do with how the body reacts to the chemicals in marijuana, especially THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main ingredient that causes the “high.”
THC affects the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which helps control things like mood, appetite, and pain. Some experts think that using marijuana for a long time might mess with this system, which then causes the intense vomiting symptoms in CHS. This may explain why someone who has used marijuana for years might suddenly develop severe nausea and vomiting.
Treatment and Prevention
The good news is that the most effective way to stop CHS is to stop using marijuana completely. While it sounds simple, quitting can be tough, especially for people who have used marijuana regularly for many years.
In addition to stopping marijuana, doctors might treat CHS symptoms by giving fluids through an IV to help with dehydration, using anti-nausea medications, and managing pain. In some cases, a hospital stay might be needed to help recover from the effects of excessive vomiting.
How Common is CHS?
CHS isn’t something that happens to every marijuana user, but it is becoming more common, especially in places where marijuana is legal. It typically affects people who use marijuana frequently—usually daily or almost daily—for several years.
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a serious condition that can affect people who use marijuana regularly. It causes extreme nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and other health problems. While the exact cause is still being studied, it seems to be connected to how marijuana interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The best way to treat CHS is to stop using marijuana, which usually helps stop the symptoms. Although CHS is uncommon, marijuana users should be aware of it and seek medical help if they experience severe nausea or vomiting.
If you or a loved one is experiencing discomfort or adverse effects from Cannabis, know that you’re not alone. At Northview Wellness Center, we specialize in helping individuals understand and overcome habits that are no longer helpful to you. Our compassionate team provides personalized treatment plans to help you regain control and build healthier coping strategies. Contact us today and take the first step toward a healthier future.
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