A terrifying mystery is finally being recognized by the world’s leading health authorities: a debilitating vomiting disorder linked to long-term marijuana use. For years, sufferers have been dismissed, their agony misdiagnosed, but now, a formal diagnosis is offering a lifeline.
The World Health Organization has officially added Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) to its diagnostic manual, assigning it a unique code for the first time. This isn’t just a bureaucratic change; it’s a critical step toward understanding and combating a condition that can be truly horrific, and even deadly.
CHS manifests as cycles of intense nausea, relentless vomiting, and agonizing abdominal pain. Many patients describe a harrowing experience known as “scromiting” – the simultaneous agony of screaming and vomiting. Dehydration, weight loss, and dangerous heart rhythm problems can follow, with rare cases leading to kidney failure and death.
For too long, doctors have struggled to identify CHS, mistaking it for common ailments like food poisoning or the flu. Patients have endured months, even years, of suffering without answers, desperately seeking relief from symptoms that seemed to defy explanation.
The new diagnostic code will allow for accurate tracking and study of CHS cases, providing crucial data on the growing problem. Experts believe this will supply vital evidence on the adverse health effects of cannabis, a concern increasingly voiced by physicians.
Emergency room visits related to CHS have skyrocketed, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing by a staggering 650% since 2016. Isolation, stress, and the availability of increasingly potent cannabis products are believed to be major contributing factors.
The potency of cannabis has dramatically shifted. Where products once contained around 5% THC, today’s offerings frequently exceed 20%, and some even reach over 90%. This surge in THC levels is strongly linked to the rise in CHS cases, especially among young adults and adolescents.
One of the biggest hurdles in addressing CHS is the widespread misconception that it isn’t a real condition. The new diagnosis code is a vital step toward validating the suffering of those affected and encouraging earlier intervention.
While the exact cause of CHS remains unknown, a leading theory suggests that prolonged, heavy cannabis use overstimulates the body’s cannabinoid system, paradoxically triggering severe nausea and vomiting. It’s a cruel twist, considering cannabis is often touted for its anti-nausea properties.
The only proven cure for CHS is complete cessation of cannabis use. Traditional anti-nausea medications often prove ineffective, leading doctors to explore stronger drugs or, surprisingly, capsaicin cream – the same ingredient that creates the heat in chili peppers.
A peculiar hallmark of CHS is the temporary relief sufferers find in long, hot showers. This strange phenomenon, while offering fleeting comfort, remains a mystery to scientists. The intermittent nature of the syndrome often leads users to dismiss episodes as isolated incidents, continuing their cannabis use until the cycle of illness begins again.
Experts warn that even small amounts of cannabis can trigger symptoms in those susceptible to CHS, and once someone has experienced it, they are significantly more likely to suffer a recurrence. Breaking the cycle of addiction is often the biggest challenge for those seeking lasting relief.
With the new WHO code in place, public health officials anticipate a dramatic improvement in surveillance and the ability to identify emerging trends, particularly as cannabis legalization expands and high-potency products become more readily available. This is a critical moment in understanding and addressing a hidden health crisis.
