Understanding Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

With more states legalizing marijuana, cannabis has been in the headlines a lot in the past few years. However, amid the many articles about the drug’s possible benefits and potential risks, relatively little attention has been paid to a weed-related health condition called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, or CHS, is a health condition that causes people to become extremely sick when they use marijuana. 

Two fundamental features of cannabinoid hyperemesis system are:

• It typically affects people who have used cannabis on a regular basis for an extended period of time. Some people have developed CHS after a year or so of heavy marijuana use. However, others used the drug frequently for a decade or more before exhibiting CHS symptoms.
• Once a person develops CHS, they may have the condition for the rest of their life. Though sufficient research has not been conducted to confirm or disprove this, it appears that a person’s risk of developing CHS symptoms after using marijuana doesn’t dissipate over time

What Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome is Not

In addition to understanding what cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is, it is also important to know what it’s not. For example, people may have unpleasant experiences after using cannabis for several reasons that have no relation to CHS, such as: 

• They ingested more cannabis than their system could handle. This is most common among people who have little experience with the drug, or who are trying it in a form they haven’t used before (such as edibles or as concentrates).
• They used cannabis that had been sprayed with certain pesticides. Recent investigations into California’s legal marijuana industry have revealed that many dispensaries have been selling weed that has been contaminated with a variety of harmful substances. 
• They used marijuana in combination with other dangerous drugs, or while taking certain prescription medications. Various legal and illicit substances can interact with marijuana in ways that can cause a person to experience considerable physical and/or psychological distress.

To summarize: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome does not result from overusing cannabis one time, or from being briefly exposed to tainted weed. The primary risk factor for developing CHS appears to be using marijuana on at least a weekly basis for several years.

What Causes Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?

Researchers have not conclusively identified the cause of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. 

Some experts have theorized that the condition may result from extended overstimulation of endocannabinoid receptors. 

These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system (EDS). EDS is a recently discovered network that is involved with myriad functions, including how the body responds to inflammation and controls pain. 

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Symptoms

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome causes four types of symptoms:

• Persistent nausea
• Repeated vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite

Please note the presence of the adjectives persistent, repeated, and severe in the list above. The symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome are decidedly unpleasant. 

Here are a few examples of how bad CHS symptoms can be:

• The vomiting that is characteristic of CHS can include throwing up four or five times per hour, or up to 15 times per day. This experience is often so intense that it has spawned the slang term “scromiting,” which combines the words screaming and vomiting.
• A 2019 article in the journal Missouri Medicine reported that severe vomiting has caused some CHS patients to develop inflammations of the stomach and esophagus, as well as pneumomediastinum (a painful and potentially dangerous buildup of air around the lungs).
• The same Missouri Medicine article also noted that CHS patients are at risk of extreme dehydration, to the point that they could incur permanent kidney damage.

CHS symptoms can also put people at risk of various other health concerns. These include electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, fainting, and seizures.

Some people have found that hot baths or hot showers can ease some CHS symptoms. However, while this can briefly alleviate discomfort, it is not a cure for CHS itself. Also, spending too much time in hot baths or showers can cause increased perspiration, which contributes to dehydration.

Can Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Cause Death?

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is unlikely to cause death. A person’s risk of dying from CHS is especially low if they get appropriate medical care and stop using marijuana.

The greatest risks of CHS-related death secondary effects of its symptoms. For example, if a person doesn’t receive enough fluids to stave off severe dehydration, they could experience kidney failure, which can be fatal. 

Also, persistent vomiting could cause aspiration pneumonia, which can also be deadly.

Is There Treatment for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?

There’s no known cure for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. However, there is a simple way to avoid its symptoms: Stop using marijuana.

Once you stop using marijuana, your CHS symptoms should dissipate within a week or two. However, if you start using the drug again, the symptoms are likely to return.

If you’re unable to quit using cannabis even after experiencing CHS symptoms, that could be sign that you’ve developed an addiction to marijuana. In that case, you may need professional help such as marijuana rehab. Rehabilitation will help rid your body of cannabis and learn how to resist future urges to use it again.

With appropriate treatment and a concerted effort on your part, you can end your weed use for good and start living a healthier life in recovery.

Treat Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome at Sanctuary Treatment Center Today

If you want to stop using cannabis, but you’ve been unable to successfully quit, Sanctuary Treatment Center is here for you. 

Depending on the full scope of your needs, your care at our marijuana addiction treatment center in Los Angeles may include detoxification (detox), inpatient rehab, and outpatient treatment.

In each of these programs, your treatment will be guided by a personalized plan.

To learn more about how we can help you, or to schedule a free assessment, Contact us or call our team today.

Published: 10/23/2024