Severe nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain are the hallmark symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). The word “cannabinoid” refers to compounds uniquely found in cannabis, and “hyperemesis” means severe vomiting. With cannabis use on the rise, awareness of hyperemesis cannabis syndrome must increase. Better education can help people recognize symptoms early and seek treatment, improving outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens. If you suspect CHS, consulting a healthcare professional can guide you toward effective management and support. By understanding these causes and risk factors, marijuana users can better recognize the signs of CHS and make informed choices about their cannabis use.
Treatment for Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)
Managing symptoms can be challenging, particularly alcoholism treatment in the early stages of CHS recovery. Staying hydrated is critical, as frequent vomiting often leads to severe dehydration. Anti-nausea medications may offer temporary relief from CHS symptoms. The most effective treatment for CHS is to quit cannabis entirely.

Pathophysiology of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)
- Some individuals, for instance, also admitted to smoking 2000 mg of THC per day.
- Understanding what triggers cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) can help those affected make better decisions about their cannabis use.
- Examples of cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
- Some of those hospital visits are related to a severe condition that develops after using high concentrations of cannabinoids over a long time, called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).
- This option may be beneficial for those seeking a calm, holistic setting for recovery.
The only treatment that can get rid of CHS symptoms for good is to stop using cannabis completely. But there are some other treatments that may help manage your symptoms and make you feel better. Treating Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing their return.
CHS Symptoms
Over time, the symptoms will go away completely unless you start what is chs to use again. When you use marijuana for many years, it can start to slowly change how the receptors in your body respond to the cannabinoid chemicals. For example, the drug affects the receptors in the esophageal sphincter, the tight band of muscle that opens and closes to let food go from your throat to your stomach. If this flap doesn’t work properly, your stomach acids might flow upward and cause you to have nausea and vomiting. Marijuana has a lot of active chemical compounds called cannabinoids. When you use weed, these compounds bind to cannabinoid receptors found in your brain, digestive tract (gut), and certain cells in your body.


If you’re a chronic cannabis consumer and you’re experiencing symptoms, it may be time to seek a diagnosis. Serotonin antagonism in the gastrointestinal tract from medications such as ondansetron, dolasetron, and granisetron likewise have varying levels of efficacy. Opioids, while often prescribed for the patient’s debilitating abdominal pain, are not appropriate for CHS, as they may, in fact, worsen nausea and vomiting. In women, a pregnancy test is necessary to assess for any pregnancies, especially ectopic pregnancies. Imaging is up to the discretion of the clinician, depending on various specific factors of history or physical exam, which may be concerning for surgical processes.
While much remains unknown about the syndrome, CHS appears to be a relatively rare condition; it only affects a subset of people who regularly consume heavy doses of THC for a prolonged period. It does not appear that CHS results from using other cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), or others. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome or CHS is a condition that affects people who use cannabis. CHS is a rather rare condition and is generally only seen in long time cannabis users.
Potential Mechanisms Behind CHS
Symptoms of withdrawal can include disrupted sleep, increased heart rate, sweating, irritability and mood swings, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A doctor confirmed that Brittany’s years of cannabis use had manifested in CHS. It tends to affect people https://www.blog.didm.in/naltrexone-oral-tablet-dosage-side-effects-uses-2/ who use cannabis at least once a week and happens more often in adults who’ve been using cannabis since their adolescent years. One study looking at Reddit posts on the subject found that spicy food, greasy food, coffee, black tea, and alcohol were frequently mentioned as CHS triggers.
