Prolonged Cannabis Use Causes a Painful and Debilitating Condition Known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

Thailand Cannabis News: A Mysterious and Growing Health Crisis Among Cannabis Users
As cannabis legalization spreads across the globe, a hidden health crisis is emerging among long-term users. A recently published study by researchers from George Washington University has shed light on a troubling and often misdiagnosed condition known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). This syndrome, which affects frequent and prolonged cannabis users, is characterized by severe nausea, uncontrollable vomiting, and excruciating abdominal pain, often leading to repeated emergency room visits and hospitalizations.


Prolonged Cannabis Use Causes a Painful and Debilitating Condition Known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
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Despite cannabis being widely known for its anti-nausea properties, particularly for patients undergoing chemotherapy, some long-term users experience the opposite effect. Instead of relief, they suffer from relentless bouts of vomiting that can only be alleviated by ceasing cannabis use altogether. With increasing cases reported worldwide, particularly in regions where cannabis consumption has become more socially and legally accepted, medical professionals are beginning to recognize CHS as a significant public health issue.
 
It is interesting to note that in Thailand, where the cannabis industry is legalized, none of the ignorant staff working in the 12,000 odd cannabis dispensaries across the country nor their owners, doctors or health officials are aware of this medical condition caused by prolonged cannabis usage!
 
The Study: Analyzing the Disease Burden of CHS
A team of researchers at George Washington University conducted a comprehensive study to evaluate the impact and risk factors associated with CHS. This Thailand Cannabis News report reveals that CHS may be far more common than previously thought, placing a heavy burden on both patients and the healthcare system.
 
The study surveyed 1,052 individuals who self-reported experiencing CHS. Researchers collected detailed information about their cannabis consumption habits, including frequency, duration, and age at first use. The goal was to determine patterns associated with the onset of the syndrome and the extent of its impact on healthcare services.
 
Key Findings: The Hidden Costs of CHS
The study uncovered alarming trends among CHS sufferers, particularly concerning the severity of their symptoms and their reliance on emergency medical care. Some of the most significant findings include:
 
-85% of CHS patients had visited the emergency department at least once due to their symptoms, with nearly half of them requiring hospitalization.
 
-Early cannabis use was linked to an increased risk of emergency visits - those who started using at a younger age were more likely to experience severe episodes.
 
-Daily cannabis use was nearly universal among CHS sufferers, with more than 40% of respondents admitting to consuming cannabis m ore than five times per day.
 
-Prolonged exposure to cannabis was common - 44% of patients reported using cannabis for over five years before developing CHS symptoms.
 
These findings suggest that CHS is not a rare side effect but rather a growing problem among habitual cannabis users. The frequency and intensity of the syndrome’s symptoms often lead to significant distress and financial strain on patients due to repeated medical visits and lost work productivity.
 
The Science Behind CHS: Why Does It Happen?
The precise mechanisms underlying CHS remain unclear, but researchers have proposed several theories. One possibility is that prolonged cannabis exposure disrupts the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating nausea, digestion, and pain. Over time, excessive cannabis use may alter how these receptors function, leading to the paradoxical reaction of severe nausea and vomiting.
 
Another hypothesis suggests that cannabis affects the body’s ability to regulate temperature, which may explain why some CHS sufferers find temporary relief by taking hot showers or baths. While these methods can provide short-term comfort, they do not address the root cause of the condition.
 
Treatment and Prevention: Is There a Cure?
Currently, there is no medical cure for CHS beyond ceasing cannabis use entirely. Unlike other gastrointestinal disorders that can be managed with medication or dietary changes, CHS persists as long as cannabis consumption continues. For many long-term users, quitting can be a difficult process due to the psychological and physical dependence that can develop over years of frequent use.
 
Emergency treatments, such as intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medications, and pain management strategies, can provide temporary relief. However, unless cannabis use is discontinued, the cycle of vomiting and hospital visits is likely to continue. Researchers emphasize the need for better awareness among healthcare providers to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations for patients experiencing CHS.
 
Raising Awareness: A Call to Action for Medical Professionals and Users
One of the most concerning aspects of CHS is the lack of awareness among both patients and medical professionals. Many individuals suffering from CHS do not initially associate their symptoms with cannabis use, leading to unnecessary tests, misdiagnoses, and ineffective treatments.
 
Dr. Andrew Meltzer, lead author of the study and professor of emergency medicine at George Washington University, stresses the importance of education on this condition. “Many patients don’t realize that cannabis is the root cause of their symptoms. We need to do a better job of informing both healthcare providers and users about the risks of CHS, particularly for those who started using cannabis at an early age.”
 
Medical professionals are urged to consider CHS in cases of recurrent nausea and vomiting among frequent cannabis users. By recognizing the syndrome early, doctors can provide accurate diagnoses and encourage patients to quit cannabis to resolve their symptoms.
 
Conclusion: The Growing Public Health Challenge of CHS
The findings from this study highlight a critical and growing issue among chronic cannabis users. As cannabis use becomes more widespread, particularly among young people, the incidence of CHS is likely to rise. The research indicates that early initiation and frequent use are strong risk factors, emphasizing the need for public health campaigns to educate users about the potential dangers.
 
Beyond the personal suffering of CHS patients, the syndrome also poses a financial and logistical burden on healthcare systems, with frequent emergency visits and hospitalizations. More research is needed to determine why some individuals develop CHS while others do not, and whether certain cannabis strains or consumption methods increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

Ultimately, the most effective way to prevent CHS is to reduce or eliminate cannabis use, especially for those who use it daily. As awareness grows, it is hoped that more individuals will recognize the symptoms early and take steps to prevent the debilitating effects of this syndrome.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Annals of Emergency Medicine.
https://www.annemergmed.com/article/S0196-0644(25)00018-6/abstract
 
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