Cannabis-Induced Vomiting Syndrome Cases Surged During Pandemic,Study Shows
New York,NY – Cases of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS),characterized by severe,cyclical vomiting in chronic cannabis users,significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and remain elevated,according to research published Monday in JAMA Network Open. The study indicates a likely link between pandemic-related stressors and increased cannabis consumption, alongside ongoing factors like cannabis legalization and perhaps higher THC levels in cannabis products.
Researchers analyzed data from emergency department visits across the United States between 2019 and 2023. They found that the proportion of cannabis-related health problems attributed to CHS rose sharply in early 2021, peaking that year. While incidence declined after 2021, it has plateaued at levels higher than those observed before the pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic likely catalyzed the rise in CHS through stress,isolation,and increased cannabis use,” the authors wrote.”After peaking in 2021, CHS incidence declined but plateaued above prepandemic levels, suggesting sustained structural or clinical drivers.”
CHS is a debilitating condition involving intense nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. While hot baths and showers can provide temporary relief during an acute episode, the only definitive treatment is cessation of cannabis use, with symptoms typically resolving over weeks.
The study emphasizes that CHS remains a relatively rare side effect, but highlights the importance of recognizing it as a potential risk, particularly with higher doses and long-term, heavy cannabis use.
“Our findings shouldn’t be interpreted as a reason to panic, but they do reinforce that cannabis is not risk-free,” said researcher Dr. Swartz.
CHS was officially added to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) earlier this year, facilitating more accurate diagnosis and tracking of the condition. However, the study authors stress the need for increased clinical awareness among doctors and hospitals to ensure timely diagnosis, given the potential for misdiagnosis and needless medical testing.
Further research is needed to pinpoint the exact causes of CHS and understand why it develops in only some long-term cannabis users.