Doctors across the country are raising urgent concerns over a surprising cannabis-related condition that has sent increasing numbers of users to emergency rooms: Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome, or CHS. Patients suffer a relentless cycle of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain so severe that many collapse or scream during attacks, a phenomenon medical staff have nicknamed “scromiting.” Hospitals have seen dramatic increases in cases over the past decade, with some patients returning multiple times a year before the condition is properly diagnosed.
CHS is notoriously difficult to recognize, and repeated emergency visits often result in high medical costs. Dr. Beatriz Carlini of the University of Washington notes that patients often undergo numerous ER visits before a correct diagnosis is made. Episodes typically appear within 24 hours of cannabis use and can last for days, causing extreme discomfort and distress for users and their families. The intensity of symptoms has made “scromiting” a descriptive term for the ordeal of vomiting while in severe pain.
Treating CHS is uniquely challenging because there are no FDA-approved therapies, and standard anti-nausea medications often fail. Physicians rely on unconventional remedies, including hot showers, abdominal capsaicin cream, and, in severe cases, Haldol, a drug normally reserved for psychotic episodes. Dr. Chris Buresh explains that a patient’s report of symptom relief from hot showers is often the key clue leading to diagnosis.
One of the most frustrating aspects of CHS is that symptoms recur if cannabis use continues. Complete cessation is the only effective treatment, yet the addictive qualities of cannabis make stopping extremely difficult. Carlini warns that intermittent symptoms can mislead users into thinking the episodes are unrelated to cannabis, causing repeated bouts of severe illness.
The reasons why some people develop CHS while others do not remain unclear. Research suggests that heavy or prolonged cannabis use may overstimulate the endocannabinoid system, impairing its regulation of nausea and vomiting. Thresholds for vulnerability vary by individual, meaning even small amounts of cannabis can trigger CHS in susceptible users. A survey of over 1,000 patients found strong links between early cannabis use, long-term consumption, and repeated ER visits, with adolescent cases rising more than tenfold from 2016 to 2023.
The World Health Organization officially recognized CHS with a dedicated diagnosis code on October 1, 2025, a crucial step for tracking the syndrome’s rise. Experts caution that while CHS may sound exaggerated, it is a real and growing problem, particularly for long-term users. Awareness is vital: understanding the risks of cannabis-related hyperemesis can prevent repeated hospitalizations and help users seek timely medical guidance.
