Emergency departments across the United States are seeing a significant and alarming increase in a severe medical condition linked directly to long-term cannabis use. This painful syndrome is medically known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, or CHS. Healthcare workers have informally nicknamed the disorder “scromiting.” This graphic term combines the words “screaming” and “vomiting.” It accurately describes the intense suffering patients experience during an episode.
CHS is a paradoxical condition. Many people use cannabis specifically to treat nausea and vomiting. However, for a subset of chronic, heavy users, the drug eventually triggers the opposite response. Experts believe that prolonged exposure to high levels of THC disrupts the body’s endocannabinoid system. This disruption negatively affects the critical mechanisms that regulate digestion and nausea control.
The prevalence of CHS has surged sharply in recent years. A major national study analyzed emergency room visits between 2016 and 2022. Researchers found that cases involving cannabis-induced vomiting had increased fivefold. The highest risk occurs in young adults who consume cannabis daily or near-daily. Data shows that 85% of people suffering from CHS report at least one trip to the emergency room. Almost half require hospitalization to manage their symptoms. This rise creates a hidden, yet significant, burden on the public health system.
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CHS episodes are characterized by three distinct phases. The first is the prodromal phase, which may last for months or years. Patients often experience mild morning nausea and abdominal discomfort during this time. The acute phase, called the hyperemetic phase, follows. This is the period that sends patients rushing to the hospital. Sufferers endure intense, cyclical bouts of vomiting that can occur many times an hour. They also face excruciating abdominal pain.
One of the most unusual diagnostic hallmarks is the relief found in compulsive hot bathing or showering. Doctors suggest that extreme heat may temporarily distract or counteract the body’s internal distress signals. However, this self-treatment only offers momentary comfort. It also increases the risk of dehydration and potential skin burns.
These intense episodes can quickly cause dangerous complications. Relentless vomiting frequently leads to critical dehydration. This, in turn, can cause severe electrolyte imbalances. Such imbalances may trigger heart rhythm abnormalities or acute kidney injury. The forceful retching can also result in potentially fatal tears in the esophagus.
Emergency room staff primarily focus on stabilization. They administer intravenous fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte problems. They also use anti-nausea medications, though standard antiemetics are often ineffective against CHS. Capsaicin cream is sometimes applied to the abdomen for pain relief.
Ultimately, medical professionals stress one critical fact: the only permanent cure for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome is complete abstinence from cannabis. Symptoms typically disappear quickly once the user stops the drug. However, they will inevitably return if consumption resumes. As cannabis use and product potency increase nationwide, doctors are urging patients to understand this significant health risk. They stress the need for awareness, early diagnosis, and cessation support for those affected.
