Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: Causes, Treatment, and More

Policies promoting a non-judgmental, open discussion about cannabis use in healthcare settings could help overcome this barrier. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) can greatly disrupt a person’s life. The constant nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain make daily activities like work, socializing, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle very challenging. Understanding the effects of CHS is important for both patients and healthcare providers.

• CHS may be related to an imbalance in the body’s communication system—the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis—which regulates stress responses,” says Andrews.
• Backed by recent research, like a 2020 review on CBD’s appetite modulation or a 2022 study on THCV’s metabolic benefits, this guide aims to empower you with knowledge for informed, health-conscious choices.
• There also may be a genetic susceptibility to CHS, and depression and anxiety are common in people with the syndrome.
• Some may be finding that there can be very real — and serious — complications that come with cannabis use.
• A 2011 study in Neurogastroenterology & Motility found THC reduced vomiting in animals by targeting brainstem CB1 receptors (Parker et al., 2011).

Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)

With around 15% of Americans currently using marijuana and the industry rapidly booming, it is important to note any health concerns that may arise through cannabis usage. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome is often linked to marijuana addiction, as those with CHS typically have a long history of chronic marijuana use. Addiction treatment is a critical component of managing CHS, helping individuals not only to alleviate symptoms but also to address the underlying cause of the condition—marijuana dependency. Although some individuals may attempt to quit on their own, addiction treatment centers offer comprehensive care and support that greatly increase the likelihood of long-term recovery and symptom relief. The condition can be particularly challenging because the symptoms are often mistaken for other gastrointestinal disorders, and they may not appear immediately after someone begins using marijuana. Often CHS may not be recognized when symptoms first start, and a person may think that using more cannabis will relieve their symptoms, but it will only make them worse.

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A 2016 case study describes two deaths due to complications of CHS. The cause of death in both people was found to be hyponatremic dehydration, also known as low sodium levels. Stopping cannabis use is the only known way to permanently get rid of CHS. But a 2019 study concluded that it potentially accounts for up to 6 percent of emergency room visits for recurrent vomiting. Some people call certain symptoms of CHS “scromiting.” The term combines “vomiting” and “screaming.” You may have intense pain, which causes you to scream while you vomit. Success lies in picking the right products, dosing wisely, and considering terpenes.

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Paradoxically, CHS causes excessive vomiting alcoholism symptoms and is related to long-term marijuana use. Understanding what CHS is, can help us better understand why the syndrome affects some people the way it does. Since 2004, doctors have identified key symptoms and characteristics of the condition that can help speed up diagnosis.

And a 2022 Canadian study found that ER visits for CHS-related problems had increased 13-fold between 2014 and 2021. (Recreational use and sale of cannabis in Canada was legalized starting in 2018). It’s not clear what percentage of all heavy marijuana users have experienced CHS. CBD (cannabidiol), non-psychoactive and widely available, may actually temper appetite. Instead, it modulates hunger signals indirectly, possibly through hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which regulate satiety and appetite. A 2020 review in Frontiers in Endocrinology found that CBD reduced food intake in preclinical models, suggesting a role in appetite suppression (Rossi et al., 2020).

How is cannabis hyperemesis syndrome treated?

Figure 2 portrays the flow of hormones released when stress occurs. Stress is regulated and controlled partially by the endocannabinoid system, and the HPA axis is the main neuroendocrine system activated by the stress response and therefore cannabinoids 30. The HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system must balance their roles to mediate the stress. The response to stress is important in survival, but long-term stress can have negative effects on one’s health 31. Endocannabinoids play their part in allostasis by promoting recovery from stress and further bring back homeostasis of the https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-addictive-is-oxycontin/ neurotransmitters, neurohormones, and neuropeptides 32.

• Overuse risks tolerance or, rarely, hyperemesis syndrome, rotate strains or take breaks to stay effective.
• Symptoms of CHS typically come on several years after the start of chronic marijuana use.
• For example, the drug affects the receptors in the esophageal sphincter, the tight band of muscle that opens and closes to let food go from your throat to your stomach.
• In one small study of eight patients hospitalized with CHS, four of the five who stopped using weed recovered from CHS.
• If you or a loved one struggle with a substance use disorder,contact The Recovery Villageto speak with a representative about how addiction treatment can help.

We at R&A Therapeutic Partners are quite familiar with CHS and first started recognizing this condition in our clients a little over 5 years ago. For us, this is often diagnostic and likely means the individual has become dependent on marijuana and will need treatment and support to stop. Contrary to what many people believe, marijuana is addictive and can be difficult for some to abstain from. Also, with the increased potency we see in different strains and forms of THC, we suspect more and more individuals that use marijuana heavily will experience this condition in the future. Although there is limited data on young people, we know that cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is an emerging problem. Considering this in the differential diagnosis of young people with persistent vomiting is important.

Many people experience temporary relief from their nausea and vomiting when bathing in hot water. Some people with CHS may compulsively bathe in hot water for hours a day to find relief. In one 2018 study, a group of researchers surveyed 2,127 U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 49 at an emergency department in New York.

• During this phase, the main symptoms are often early morning nausea and belly (abdominal) pain.
• Due to the complexity of diagnosing CHS, it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals who are familiar with the condition.
• However, it is essential healthcare providers also address the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, as these conditions are common in CHS patients and may lead to acute renal failure 27,35.
• It is resistant to traditional anti-emetic and analgesic treatments, and the only treatments that have been demonstrated to be effective are benzodiazepines, haloperidol, capsaicin, and hot baths or showers.

As cannabis use continues to rise, awareness of CHS among both clinicians and cannabis users is important. Further research is needed to understand the precise etiology of CHS and develop more targeted treatment approaches. In the meantime, early recognition and cessation of cannabis use remain the cornerstone of managing this relatively new syndrome.