Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a rare problem that causes constant vomiting.
It is linked with the long-term use ofcannabis(marijuana).
The exact reason that this problem occurs is not clear.
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It happens after years of using cannabis many times a week.
Symptoms evolve in phases.
They can begin as mild problems that make you feel sick in the morning.
Belly pain and a sense that you are going to vomit are also common.
With the continued use of cannabis and a lack of treatment, symptoms become more intense.
Problems with keeping food and water down can lead todehydration.
This leads to a risk of more severe organ problems.
The only treatment known to cure CHS is to stop using cannabis and not resume its use.
This article describes the causes, symptoms, and stages of CHS.
It also describes how CHS is diagnosed and treated.
Alexandre Morin-Laprise / Getty Images
What Causes Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)?
Since there are so many active chemicals in cannabis, the exact cause ofcannabinoidhyperemesis syndrome is unknown.
THC and other chemicals in cannabis also bind to molecules in your digestive tract.
These chemicals can change the time it takes your stomach to empty food.
At low doses, the effect of cannabis on your brain can have an antiemetic effect that suppressesnauseaand vomiting.
However, with repeated use in some people, it can have the opposite effect on the digestive tract.
This results in the persistentvomiting and nauseacharacteristic of CHS.
How Common Is CHS?
CHS is considered rare.
When expanded to the general U.S. population, research indicates that about 2.75 million Americans annually may experience CHS.
This further complicates the process of identifying how commonly CHS occurs.
For some people, it can take up to nine years to diagnose CHS from the onset of symptoms.
CHS Symptoms
CHS symptoms typically occur in chronic, frequent cannabis users.
During this time, people may increase cannabis use as a means to treat the recurring nausea.
People with CHS will most likely seek medical care for their symptoms during this phase.
The practice may become compulsive.
Recovery Phase
During the recovery phase of CHS, your body begins to return to normal.
This phase is triggered by stopping cannabis use.
How CHS Is Diagnosed
There is no diagnostic test to confirm CHS.
People diagnosed with CHS tend to be in their late teens or 20s.
Researchers have proposed that this behavior may be included in the diagnostic criteria for CHS.
Other treatments can include the following:
Can You Treat CHS Symptoms at Home?
Treating CHS symptoms at home is most effective if you stop using marijuana.
How Soon After CHS Will I Feel Better?
However, symptoms almost always return if you resume using marijuana.
What Are the Health Complications of CHS?
Can You Prevent CHS?
The only way to prevent CHS is to avoid using any form of marijuana.
This condition develops after several years of cannabis use.
It’s still possible to develop CHS if you use cannabis for many years without having any problems.
Chronic cannabis use is the primary risk factor for developing CHS.
Using cannabis for a prolonged period increases your risk of this condition.
It is more common among those who use cannabis daily for years.
While symptoms begin as mild, they can intensify and increase your risk of severe problems.
As a somewhat new problem, CHS is often mistaken for other problems with the same symptoms.
Research is ongoing on the exact way that cannabis triggers this problem.
In the meantime, the best way to relieve CHS symptoms is to stop using the drug.
Symptoms can recur if you resume its use.
Contact your healthcare provider if you suspect you have CHS.
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