Young Users Face Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome in Rising Numbers

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is increasingly affecting young cannabis users, leading to severe nausea, vomiting, and significant health complications. The disorder has gained attention as emergency rooms report a rising number of cases, prompting health organizations to establish official diagnostic codes to better identify and treat the condition.

Sydni Collins, 23, began using cannabis regularly at age 16. Despite experiencing extreme nausea and vomiting, she continued to use it daily. Her struggles culminated in a series of hospital visits, including a month-long stay during which she lost significant weight, dropping to just 87 pounds. “I would be puking all morning. I would let out yells or cries because nothing would come out; I was just dry heaving,” Collins recounted, describing her experience with CHS, which can lead to relentless episodes of discomfort.

CHS affects approximately 1 in 10 teenagers in the United States, with more than 2.5 million adolescents classified as casual cannabis users in 2023. Cannabis use carries potential risks, with experts warning of its adverse effects on mental health, brain development, and overall health.

The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have noted a steady increase in CHS cases over the past decade, leading to greater awareness and research into the disorder. Many patients, like Collins, initially face misdiagnoses. Collins was told she might have superior mesenteric artery syndrome, a rare digestive disorder. This misdiagnosis is common due to a lack of awareness among medical professionals regarding CHS.

Dan McGovern, 34, faced similar challenges. He was misdiagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after frequently consuming highly potent cannabis concentrates. “When I was consuming a lot of the concentrates, I would wake up with severe nausea that went on for a while,” he said. His symptoms ultimately led him to seek help from a gastroenterologist, who identified cannabis as the cause of his issues.

The underlying mechanism of CHS is not fully understood. However, leading theories suggest that long-term use of cannabis may overstimulate receptors in the endocannabinoid system, disrupting the body’s natural control of nausea and vomiting. Dr. Brian Kendall, an emergency medicine physician in Charleston, South Carolina, explained, “Chronic use of THC over-stimulates the CB1 receptors, which then desensitize them and make them stop behaving normally, leading to the whole system misfiring and causing hyperemesis.”

Despite their diagnoses, both Collins and McGovern continued using cannabis to manage their symptoms. “Both [smoking and hot showers] usually got rid of the nausea,” McGovern explained. However, this led to a vicious cycle, as increased use exacerbated their conditions. After experiencing a series of hospitalizations, Collins ultimately decided to quit cannabis for good.

Her journey reflects a broader struggle faced by many young cannabis users. After her last hospitalization two years ago, Collins realized she had to stop using cannabis to determine if it was the source of her symptoms. “The only way to figure out if [my symptoms] were from weed is if I stopped,” she said. Since quitting, she has found support through an online CHS group and an app to track her progress, allowing her to stay accountable in her recovery.

Mental health issues often accompany the physical distress caused by CHS. McGovern shared that he would sometimes be bedridden for days or weeks, leading to anxiety and feelings of isolation. “I couldn’t go to work, so I would get anxiety about losing my job,” he noted.

Collins echoed these sentiments, feeling humiliated and embarrassed as she battled CHS, especially when discussing her cannabis use with family. “I felt like I had let people down,” she said. Her experience highlights the importance of addressing both the physical and mental health challenges associated with CHS.

As awareness of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome continues to grow, both medical professionals and patients are encouraged to educate themselves on the disorder. By fostering dialogue and understanding, it is hoped that fewer individuals will suffer from its debilitating effects, promoting healthier choices among young cannabis users.