Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, or CHS, is a condition that has puzzled both cannabis enthusiasts and medical professionals alike. The term “cannabinoid” hails from the Latin #1excludeGlossary which itself has roots in the ancient Greek #2excludeGlossary denoting the hemp plant. “Hyperemesis” is a combination of the Greek “hyper,” meaning over or excessive, and “emesis,” meaning vomiting. Thus, Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome refers to the excessive vomiting associated with cannabinoid use. First documented in the early 2000s, CHS has become more prevalent as cannabis consumption has increased globally. Initially, the symptoms of CHS—recurrent nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort—were often misdiagnosed, leading to confusion and prolonged suffering for patients. However, as awareness has grown, the link between chronic cannabis use and these symptoms has become clearer. The syndrome underscores the importance of understanding the potential adverse effects of cannabis, especially as its legal status changes worldwide. For those in the cannabis community, being informed about CHS is essential to making educated decisions about consumption. [Source: Wikipedia, MedlinePlus]
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is recurrent nausea, vomiting, and cramping abdominal pain that can occur due to cannabis use.
| Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Gastroenterology |
| Symptoms | Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain |
| Complications | Kidney failure |
| Causes | Use of cannabis |
| Diagnostic method | Based on the symptoms |
| Differential diagnosis | Cyclical vomiting syndrome |
| Treatment | Cannabis cessation, hot baths and showers |
| Medication | Capsaicin cream Diphenhydramine |
CHS is associated with frequent (weekly or more often), long-term (several months or longer) cannabis use; synthetic cannabinoids can also cause CHS. The underlying mechanism is unclear, with several possibilities proposed. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms; a history of cannabis use, especially persistent, frequent use of high-dose cannabis products; and ruling out other possible causes of hyperemesis (persistent vomiting). The condition is typically present for some time before the diagnosis is made.
The only known curative treatment for CHS is to stop using cannabis. Symptoms usually remit after two weeks of complete abstinence, although some patients continue to experience nausea, cyclic vomiting, or abdominal pain for up to 90 days. Treatments during an episode of vomiting are generally supportive in nature (one example being hydration). There is tentative evidence for the use of capsaicin cream on the abdomen during an acute episode.
Frequent hot showers or baths are both a possible sign (diagnostic indicator) of CHS, and a short-term palliative treatment (often called hot water hydrotherapy in the medical literature).
Another condition that presents similarly is cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS). The primary differentiation between CHS and CVS is that cessation of cannabis use resolves CHS, but not CVS. Another key difference is that CVS symptoms typically begin during the early morning; predominant morning symptoms are not characteristic of CHS. Distinguishing the two can be difficult since many people with CVS use cannabis, possibly to relieve their symptoms.
The syndrome was first described in 2004, and simplified diagnostic criteria were published in 2009.
English
Etymology
First described in 2004.
Noun
cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (uncountable)
- (medicine, pathology) A syndrome sometimes resulting from cannabis use, characterized by recurrent nausea, hyperemesis, and abdominal pain.
- Synonym: CHS
- 2019, Catherine C. Crone, Jeanne M. Lackamp, Andrew R. Alkis, 19: Gastrointestinal Disorders, James L. Levenson (editor), Textbook of Psychosomatic Medicine and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, 3rd Edition, American Psychiatric Association Publishing, page 535,
- Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is sometimes mistaken for idiopathic cyclic vomiting syndrome, delaying appropriate treatment.
- 2023, Ivan A. Ross, Plant-Based Therapeutics, Volume 1: Cannabis sativa, Springer Publishing, page 343,
- Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
