Sometimes called “scromiting” in street terms. The term combines “vomiting” and “screaming,” having intense pain, which causes you to scream while you vomit.
Yes, it is a real condition backed by medical research. It primarily affects long-term heavy cannabis users, causing intense, cyclical vomiting episodes that can land folks in the ER.
First identified in 2004, French studies, Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) cases exploded post-legalization in states like California and Oregon. Research shows it affects users after years of daily, high-dose use – think multiple times a day for a decade.
The good news? Science confirms symptoms vanish completely when use stops. For thousands of years, cannabis and its derivatives, including hashish, have been used for their psychoactive properties. The rates of cannabis use for both medicinal and recreational purposes continue to rise in the United States. Cannabis can now be bought online and in stores across the U.S., and it can be consumed in many ways (e.g., smoked, inhaled, ingested).
Additionally, the potency of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in newer strains and the risk of these cannabis products being “laced” with other illicit substances have made cannabis use more dangerous. Despite this, cannabis use among young adults has continued to increase, with adolescents citing a reduction of perceived risk due to its recent legalization in 40 of 50 states. In correlation with the increased usage of cannabis products, symptoms continue to appear.
One study found that 32.9% of self-reported frequent marijuana users who came to an emergency department for care met the criteria for CHS (Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome). With the widespread use, increased potency and legalization of marijuana, CHS is becoming increasingly common.
Cannabis is a prevalent illicit substance in the United States, having over 400 chemicals, including 100 cannabinoids, each affecting the body’s organs differently upon ingestion. CHS is a gut – brain disorder characterized by recurring nausea and vomiting intensified by excessive cannabis consumption. Historically, cannabis has been used to stimulate appetite and as an antiemetic. (medication to treat nausea and vomiting). The FDA approves its use for chemotherapy when other antiemetic treatments fail.
Cannabis broadly affects the gastrointestinal system, affecting its secretions, appetite, inflammation and motility (movement). The effects of cannabis are biphasic (having two distinct phases): low doses tend to reduce nausea, while high doses can induce vomiting. The effects of marijuana on the digestive system are what lead to the main symptoms of CHS.
Marijuana is a complex substance that affects everyone differently. The main ingredient in marijuana is called THC, which has anti-nausea (anti-sickness) effects. This is why marijuana is regularly prescribed for nausea caused by chemotherapy treatment. However, if you use THC over a prolonged period of time, marijuana seems to have the opposite effect on the digestive system and makes you more likely to feel and be sick.
Research is being conducted to explain why only some long-term users of marijuana experience CHS. Despite its medicinal benefits, cannabis use has increased adverse effects such as severe vomiting or intoxication poisoning, and behavioral changes like anxiety and altered feelings.
Recovery phase: The recovery phase will begin once you stop using marijuana.
Dr. Herb Clark of Murphy is an expert in the field of addiction with 33 years of experience. He served on the N.C. Professional Practice board, adjunct professor for two universities and was a U.S. Marine serving 25 years, through two wars and three conflicts traveling the world, seeing the effects of addiction firsthand worldwide. Send questions or comments to him at hypno321@hotmail.com.