For decades, cannabis carried a heavy social stigma, often framed as a dangerous gateway drug. Public conversations in the 1980s and 1990s emphasized its destabilizing effects, shaping societal attitudes and strict legal penalties. Today, however, views in the United States have shifted significantly. Recreational cannabis is legal in 24 states, and medical use is permitted in even more, reflecting growing public support for legalization. As societal acceptance grows, cannabis is increasingly normalized, potentially resembling alcohol in its regulated and mainstream status.
Despite this normalization, cannabis is not without risks. THC, the plant’s psychoactive compound, produces effects ranging from relaxation and euphoria to altered perception and increased appetite. Some users experience anxiety, paranoia, or elevated heart rates, and rare heavy use can trigger psychosis in susceptible individuals. One lesser-known but increasingly reported condition is Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), characterized by severe, cyclical nausea, uncontrollable vomiting, and intense abdominal pain. Emergency departments across the U.S. have seen a sharp rise in CHS cases, highlighting an urgent public health concern.
CHS symptoms typically appear within 24 hours of cannabis use and can last for several days. Patients often endure extreme pain and repeated vomiting, sometimes leading medical staff to coin the term “scromiting” to describe the agony. Standard anti-nausea medications are frequently ineffective, leaving sufferers reliant on self-soothing behaviors such as hot showers or, in severe cases, opioid pain relief. Recurrent episodes can severely impact quality of life, and many individuals continue using cannabis, mistakenly believing their symptoms are unrelated to the drug, which exacerbates the condition.
The only definitive treatment for CHS is cessation of cannabis use. Studies indicate that prolonged and frequent cannabis consumption significantly increases the risk of developing CHS, with emergency room visits often repeated over months or years. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable, with CHS-related cases among young people increasing tenfold from 2016 to 2023. While overall incidence correlates with states where cannabis is legal—likely due to higher usage—the fastest growth in adolescent cases has occurred in states where recreational cannabis remains illegal, suggesting broader environmental or social factors may also play a role.
Researchers are examining additional contributors to CHS, including rising THC concentrations in modern cannabis products. As legalization and commercialization continue, public health experts stress the importance of education, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making about cannabis use. Awareness campaigns targeting young people, along with guidance on product potency, responsible consumption, and early recognition of CHS symptoms, are increasingly seen as critical measures to mitigate risk.
Ultimately, the evolving cultural and legal landscape of cannabis highlights both opportunity and caution. While many individuals consume cannabis safely, conditions like CHS underscore that no substance is entirely risk-free. Understanding potential harms alongside benefits remains essential for users, caregivers, and policymakers alike. Balancing legalization with education and prevention can help ensure that the normalization of cannabis occurs responsibly and safely.
