What's happened
Cases of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a severe condition causing relentless nausea and vomiting, are increasing among teens and young adults in the US. Experts link the rise to higher THC potency and increased marijuana use, with symptoms often misdiagnosed or overlooked. Treatment requires cessation of cannabis use.
What's behind the headline?
The increasing prevalence of CHS highlights a paradox in cannabis use: while some medical applications leverage its anti-nausea properties, long-term, high-potency recreational use appears to trigger severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The rise in cases among youth, especially in states with legal recreational cannabis, suggests that higher THC levels and early initiation are key risk factors. Hot bathing provides temporary relief, but cessation remains the only definitive cure. This trend underscores the need for greater awareness among clinicians and public health officials about the risks of high-potency cannabis, especially as legalization expands. The phenomenon also raises questions about the long-term health impacts of increased THC potency and the adequacy of current education and regulation around recreational marijuana.
What the papers say
The NY Post reports on individual cases and the rise of CHS among teens, emphasizing the severity and misdiagnosis issues. The Independent discusses the broader trend, linking increased legalization and THC potency to rising hospitalizations, and highlights the challenges in treatment and diagnosis. Both sources underscore the importance of awareness and cessation, with social media playing a role in raising public consciousness. The NY Post notes that Collins, a young woman, experienced multiple ER visits before diagnosis, illustrating the condition's complexity. The Independent emphasizes that many clinicians are still unfamiliar with CHS, leading to repeated hospital visits and delayed treatment. Together, these articles paint a comprehensive picture of a growing public health concern driven by changing cannabis consumption patterns.
How we got here
Over the past decade, ER visits for severe vomiting linked to cannabis use have surged, coinciding with broader legalization and increased THC potency. CHS, characterized by intense nausea, vomiting, and compulsive hot bathing, was only recently recognized as a distinct medical condition, leading to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis. The syndrome affects both adolescents and adults, with recent studies showing a sharp rise during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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