Doctors and patients describe rise in cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome cases

A growing number of emergency departments in the region are diagnosing cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition that produces severe, recurrent vomiting in some long-term cannabis users, according to a THV11 segment.

Patient Taylor Armandez described two hospitalizations and a pattern of uncontrollable vomiting. "It was the vomiting, the uncontrollable nausea, the only thing that makes you feel better is a bath or warm water," Armandez said in the segment. After stopping daily cannabis use, she reported the symptoms subsided.

Dr. Alan Schubert of Virtual Health told the report that the increase is most apparent in states with broader legalization. He said clinicians distinguish CHS from common stomach viruses by the intensity of abdominal symptoms and the characteristic relief patients report from hot showers or baths, but that the exact reason cannabis causes these reactions in some users is not clear.

Why it matters: As cannabis access increases, clinicians and public-health officials may see more CHS cases; accurate diagnosis can prevent repeated hospital visits and help patients find relief.

What's next: The segment urged awareness among clinicians and patients and noted that stopping cannabis use is commonly associated with symptom resolution.