Abrupt cessation of cannabis use may cause catatonia from hypoactivity of GABA and dopamine D2 receptors, along with hyperactivity of the glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 71,72. Nevertheless, it is essential to be aware of the adverse effects of benzodiazepine, such as oversedation, hypoventilation, dizziness, confusion, incoordination, and the long-term effects of addiction. The management of CHS largely relies on the severity of symptoms, the emergence of complications, and measures to prevent future recurrence.
What do experts know about CHS?

Hyperemesis syndrome is a condition marked by severe and persistent nausea and vomiting, often accompanied by abdominal pain and dehydration. In the context of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), hyperemesis syndrome is a critical component, with patients experiencing recurrent episodes of severe vomiting, persistent nausea, and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be debilitating, leading to significant discomfort and health complications.
How Does CHS Occur?
Together, we empower consumers by providing educational resources and guidance to make informed choices about their marijuana use. While CHS does resolve with cannabis cessation, the manner of cessation significantly impacts outcomes. Patients often use cannabis for valid medical reasons, and unsupported cessation can lead to relapse. The body’s endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2 are the most common), ligands, and enzymes. Possibly an unknown genetic or environmental trigger is an underlying contributor for those who do develop it. And although CBD and CBG may contribute to CHS, THC is a necessary component of the syndrome.
Getting Help: Resources for Cannabis-Related Conditions
- However, long-term outcomes related to recurrent vomiting raise some concerns for healthcare providers.
- Proving the emetic and antiemetic effects of cannabinoids is difficult due to the overlapping nature of the symptoms with other conditions such as cyclic vomiting syndrome, viral gastroenteritis, and bulimia nervosa 14.
- Four thousand seven hundred sixty-three posts matched the search expressions indicating cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.
Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life. A community connecting cannabis consumers, patients, retailers, doctors, and brands since 2008. If you’re a cannabis user, it’s important to know how to properly detox from THC in case of a drug test. Though not fully understood, CHS is believed to result from prolonged THC overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system, leading to dysregulation of nausea and digestion control in the brain and gut.
In the study, “The Prevalence of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Among Regular Marijuana Smokers in an Urban Public Hospital,” 32.9% of the daily or near-daily cannabis users met the general definition of CHS. The exact cause of CHS isn’t fully understood, but it is believed to be the body’s reaction to long-term cannabis use. Many people with CHS find relief through hot showers or baths, which provide temporary comfort. Recognizing what is what is chs weed cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome can help those affected seek early medical attention to manage their condition. The exact cause of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is not fully understood. Cannabis affects the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various functions like mood, appetite, and pain.
Treatment Approaches for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

She hopes that one day her research and advocacy will help to save the lives of those who have been affected by Sober living home substance use. She likes to say that advocacy is her passion and leadership is her superpower. It blocks NK1 and inhibits the binding of substance P, thereby preventing receptor activation and reducing nausea sensation in the brainstem 85. Aprepitant can be considered as third-line management when Lorazepam or Haloperidol fails, owing to its efficacy in treating moderate to severe CVS.
This consideration may prevent further unnecessary workup and health care costs for patients with CHS. Researchers also explore the potential connection between CHS and cyclical vomiting syndrome; cyclical vomiting syndrome involves similar symptoms but is not cannabis-related. People who develop CHS are usually long-term cannabis users, though the specific trigger point varies by individual. This disruption in the body’s processing of THC may be unique to certain users, making CHS more difficult to predict. Medications such as benzodiazepines can offer short-term relief from nausea and vomiting. However, the use of opioids is generally discouraged as they can exacerbate nausea and vomiting.
The CB1 receptor is a valuable target for treating a wide range of disorders, including anxiety, pain, and neurodegeneration. However, the development of drug candidates for CB1 is challenged by side effects, rapid tolerance buildup, and the risk of abuse 33. Historically, cannabis has been used to stimulate appetite and as an anti-emetic. The FDA approves its use for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when other anti-emetic treatments fail.
Hyperemetic phase
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- The absence of standardized diagnostic criteria for CHS is a significant challenge in clinical practice.
- This factor is a key distinguishing feature from cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, where the toxicokinetics of cannabis itself influence the course of the disease.
- Below, we outline both medication-based and alternative options for managing CVS.
Future work will be needed to provide more detailed content evaluations to further understand cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Anecdotal evidence from individuals who have experienced CHS provides valuable insights into the condition. Many patients report a long history of cannabis use before the onset of symptoms, and their stories often highlight the dramatic relief experienced after stopping cannabis. These personal accounts underscore the importance of recognizing CHS and its significant impact on quality of life. With the emergence of cannabis and its widespread usage in various settings, clinicians and users should be more aware of the long-term effects of cannabinoids.
- As cannabis use continues to rise, especially in high-potency edible and concentrate forms, understanding CHS is essential for both consumers and healthcare providers.
- The cornerstone of long-term treatment for CHS is the cessation of cannabis use.
- Fluid resuscitation is therefore a cornerstone of treatment during the hyperemetic phase.
- “I basically spent that week laying in bed and just sipping slowly on water or sipping slowly on my Pedialyte, trying to get as much electrolytes and nutrition as I could,” recalled Brittany, 27, who today is sober.
- The most effective—and currently the only consistently successful—treatment for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is complete cessation of cannabis use .
Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a condition that causes sudden episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. Episodes can last for hours or days and alternate with symptom-free periods that can last for several weeks to months. Episodes are similar, meaning https://ecosoberhouse.com/ that they tend to start at the same time of day, last the same length of time, and happen with the same symptoms and intensity. These diagnostic criteria can aid clinical pharmacists in the evaluation of patients presenting with cyclic vomiting with no obvious organic cause and a history of repeated ED visits for the same condition.

Understanding the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its dual response (pro-emetic at higher doses and anti-emetic at lower doses) is crucial in the pathophysiology of CHS. Recent research noted that type 1 cannabinoid receptors in the intestinal nerve plexus exhibit an inhibitory effect on gastrointestinal motility. At the same time, the thermoregulatory function of endocannabinoids might explain compulsive hot bathing in CHS patients. The prevalence of cannabis CHS is expected to rise as legal restrictions on its recreational use decrease in several states.
Because cannabis is often used as a treatment for nausea or pain, it can be mistakenly blamed for symptoms that it was intended to relieve. The past few years has seen expanding use of marijuana in the United States, particularly since the advent of the decriminalization and now legalization of the drug. Young adults comprise the largest consumers and are thus highest at risk for the disorder which only affect a minority of marijuana users.