The Hidden Dangers of Heavy Cannabis Use: A Newly Recognized Syndrome

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently acknowledged a puzzling condition linked to long-term cannabis consumption. This condition, known as cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), is now officially recognized in the WHO's diagnostic manual. This recognition is crucial as it allows doctors to better identify and track the syndrome, which can lead to severe health issues. CHS is characterized by intense nausea, persistent vomiting, stomach pain, and dehydration. In extreme cases, it can even cause heart rhythm disturbances, seizures, kidney failure, and unfortunately, death. One of the most distressing symptoms is "scromiting, " a combination of screaming and vomiting due to intense pain. This condition has been challenging to diagnose because its symptoms resemble those of food poisoning or the stomach flu. The rise in CHS cases has been alarming. A recent study published in the JAMA Network Open found that emergency room visits for CHS surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and have remained high. Experts attribute this increase to factors like isolation, stress, and the availability of high-potency cannabis products. The potency of THC in cannabis products has significantly increased over the years, with today's products often containing over 20% THC, compared to just 5% in the 1990s. John Puls, a psychotherapist and addiction specialist, has noticed a concerning rise in CHS cases, particularly among young people using high-potency cannabis. He emphasizes that the increased rates of CHS are likely linked to these potent products. Despite the growing evidence, some researchers argue that the exact cause of CHS is still not fully understood. One theory suggests that long-term, heavy cannabis use may overstimulate the body's cannabinoid system, leading to severe nausea instead of the usual anti-nausea effects associated with lower-dose cannabis products. Currently, the only effective treatment for CHS is to stop using cannabis. Traditional nausea medications often do not help, and doctors may resort to stronger drugs or capsaicin cream, which can provide temporary relief similar to hot showers. Interestingly, hot showers are a common remedy for CHS sufferers, although the reason behind this is not fully understood. The intermittent nature of CHS can lead some users to dismiss their symptoms as a one-time fluke, continuing to use cannabis until they experience another severe episode. Experts note that once someone has had CHS, they are more likely to experience it again. The new WHO diagnosis code is expected to improve surveillance and help physicians identify trends, especially as cannabis legalization spreads and high-potency products become more common.