Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome

Overview

CHS happens in some long-term, frequent cannabis users. It causes cycles of nausea, vomiting, and belly pain.

Hot showers or baths often ease symptoms, which is a key clue.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Repeated vomiting with cannabis use
• Vomiting with heavy cannabis use, relieved by hot showers

Less common

• Weight loss
• Dehydration
• Belly pain

Look up a symptom: Nausea · Stomach pain · Vomiting

When to get medical care

Causes

Heavy cannabis.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Daily users

Diagnosis

Diagnosis by history.

Treatment

Stop cannabis.

Self-care

• Hot showers ease symptoms
• Stop using cannabis

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Stop or cut down cannabis

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an addiction medicine doctor or a licensed counselor.

Living with it

• Keep a regular sleep, meal, and activity routine.
• Tell one trusted person how you're doing, and plan who to call on hard days.
• Limit alcohol and drugs. They often make symptoms worse.
• In a crisis, call or text 988 any time.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• SAMHSA National Helpline: Free, private treatment referrals 24/7: 1-800-662-4357.
• FindTreatment.gov: A government search tool for treatment centers near you.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.
• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may let you take unpaid time off for treatment without losing your job.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Young adults: Most common.
• Daily cannabis users: Highest risk.

For caregivers

• Listen without judging, and let them know you care.
• Encourage treatment, but don't force it unless they're in danger.
• If they talk about suicide, call or text 988 with them.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Stops after quitting.

Symptoms usually stop within weeks of quitting.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• How long until symptoms stop after quitting?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome