The Alarming Rise of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: Understanding Scromiting
In recent years, a disturbing trend has emerged within the realm of cannabis consumption: the increasing incidence of a condition known as Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). This condition has become so severe that it has been colloquially dubbed “scromiting,” a portmanteau of screaming and vomiting. What may initially appear to be an eccentric joke is, in fact, a profound medical concern that has resulted in a significant rise in emergency room visits. Doctors and healthcare professionals are becoming increasingly alarmed as they witness firsthand the debilitating effects that this syndrome imposes on users. The alarming reality is that many consumers, particularly those who use cannabis for therapeutic reasons, remain unaware of this potential adverse effect.
CHS is characterized by an intense cycle of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, often severe enough to render sufferers incapacitated and writhing in discomfort. Medical experts have reported that individuals affected by this syndrome frequently make multiple trips to emergency departments before receiving a correct diagnosis, leading to substantial medical expenses that can accumulate over time. Dr. Beatriz Carlini, a research associate professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, notes this troubling trend, stating that “a person often will have multiple [emergency department] visits until it is correctly recognized, costing thousands of dollars each time.” The complexity of CHS symptoms often leads to misdiagnosis, with patients being treated for gastroenteritis or other unrelated ailments instead of receiving the appropriate care for their condition.
Recognizing the Symptoms and Triggers of CHS
The onset of CHS symptoms typically occurs within 24 hours of cannabis use and can persist for several days, creating a distressing cycle for those affected. Patients often report an intense urge to vomit accompanied by extreme abdominal pain, which can occur on a cyclical basis. This often leads to the phenomenon of “scromiting,” where individuals are not only vomiting but also screaming in distress due to the severity of their symptoms. As Dr. Chris Buresh, an emergency medicine specialist, explains, the treatment of CHS is particularly challenging because “there are currently no therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and standard anti-nausea medications often don’t work.” This lack of effective treatment compounds the frustration for both patients and healthcare providers, as they grapple with a condition that lacks a clear and established clinical pathway.
Healthcare providers have begun exploring various unconventional remedies to alleviate the suffering associated with CHS. Techniques ranging from hot baths and showers to the application of capsaicin cream on the stomach have been utilized. Interestingly, symptoms often improve with exposure to hot water, which many patients have described as a necessary measure to cope with their condition. Dr. Buresh emphasizes this point by stating, “That’s something that can clinch the diagnosis for me when someone says they’re better with a hot shower.” However, it is crucial to note that even after initial symptoms subside, continuing cannabis use can provoke a resurgence of CHS, making complete cessation of cannabis the only reliable method for recovery. For many, this realization can be challenging, especially for those who have relied on cannabis for chronic pain management or anxiety relief.
The Underlying Mechanisms and Risk Factors
Despite extensive research, the precise reasons why CHS manifests in some cannabis users and not others remain unclear. Current theories suggest that the overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system may disrupt the body’s natural mechanisms for controlling nausea and vomiting. This disruption can lead to an individual’s vulnerability to the condition, which varies significantly from person to person. “It seems like there’s a threshold when people can become vulnerable to this condition, and that threshold is different for everyone,” Dr. Buresh elaborates, noting that genetics, frequency of use, and even the specific strain of cannabis may play critical roles in determining susceptibility. Alarmingly, even minimal cannabis use can trigger severe symptoms in susceptible individuals, raising concerns about the safety of cannabis use among inexperienced or younger users.
A recent study conducted by researchers at George Washington University surveyed over 1,000 patients diagnosed with CHS. The results highlighted a concerning correlation between early and prolonged cannabis use and the frequency of emergency room visits due to scromiting. Moreover, the study revealed that cases among adolescents have surged more than tenfold from 2016 to 2023, with the most rapid increases occurring in states where recreational cannabis use is still prohibited. While overall CHS cases tend to be more prevalent in states with legal cannabis, younger users appear to face heightened risks in states where cannabis remains illegal. This trend underscores the necessity for targeted educational initiatives aimed at informing both parents and teenagers about the potential dangers associated with cannabis consumption.
Recognizing CHS as a Medical Condition
The World Health Organization formally recognized Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome on October 1, 2025, assigning it an official diagnosis code. Dr. Carlini emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “A new code for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome will supply important hard evidence on cannabis-adverse events, which physicians tell us is a growing problem.” As CHS-related emergency room visits continue to climb, it becomes increasingly crucial for both healthcare providers and cannabis users to be aware of this debilitating condition. The recognition of CHS as a legitimate medical condition is a critical step towards ensuring that affected individuals receive appropriate care and that further research can be conducted to better understand its complexities.
In conclusion, as cannabis use becomes more prevalent in society, awareness of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome must also grow. Users, regardless of age, should be educated about the potential risks associated with cannabis consumption, particularly the possibility of scromiting. As experts continue to study the intricacies of CHS, there is hope that better treatment options and preventive measures will be developed to mitigate the suffering experienced by affected individuals. Meanwhile, those who experience symptoms consistent with CHS should seek medical attention and consider the cessation of cannabis use to prevent further health complications. Ultimately, a collective effort from healthcare providers, educators, and consumers is essential to address this growing public health concern and to promote safer consumption practices in the evolving landscape of cannabis use.
