A clinical guide to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: what doctors need to know
This case report and literature review describes CHS as a condition where chronic cannabis users develop severe cyclic vomiting, often relieved by hot bathing.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
The authors presented a case of a young man who developed cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), characterized by cyclic episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The patient found relief through compulsive hot water bathing, a hallmark feature of the condition.
The literature review accompanying the case outlined the three phases of CHS: a prodromal phase with morning nausea, a hyperemetic phase with intense vomiting, and a recovery phase after cannabis cessation. The condition is linked specifically to chronic, long-term cannabis use.
The authors emphasized that CHS is often misdiagnosed because cannabis is widely known as an antiemetic, leading clinicians to overlook it as a cause of vomiting. Cessation of cannabis use was identified as the definitive treatment.
Key Numbers
One case presented. Cannabis is described as the most widely used illicit drug worldwide. The three clinical phases (prodromal, hyperemetic, recovery) were characterized.
How They Did This
Case report of a single patient with CHS, combined with a narrative review of existing literature on the condition's pathogenesis, clinical features, and management approaches.
Why This Research Matters
CHS is frequently misdiagnosed, leading to expensive and unnecessary medical workups. Recognizing the pattern of cyclic vomiting plus hot bathing relief plus chronic cannabis use can save patients from prolonged suffering and unnecessary emergency department visits.
The Bigger Picture
As cannabis use increases globally, CHS recognition has become more important. The paradox of a known antiemetic causing severe vomiting in some chronic users highlights how dose, duration, and individual biology can produce unexpected effects from any substance.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Single case report with limited generalizability. The pathogenesis of CHS was not fully explained at the time of publication. The literature review was narrative rather than systematic.
Questions This Raises
- ?Why does cannabis cause vomiting in some chronic users but not others?
- ?What is the mechanism behind hot water bathing providing relief?
- ?At what threshold of use does CHS risk begin?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Hot bathing relief is a hallmark diagnostic feature of CHS
- Evidence Grade:
- Single case report with accompanying narrative literature review.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2015. CHS awareness and diagnostic criteria have improved since.
- Original Title:
- Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: a guide for the practising clinician.
- Published In:
- BMJ case reports, 2015 (2015)
- Authors:
- Bajgoric, Sanjin(2), Samra, Kiran(2), Chandrapalan, Subashini(2), Gautam, Nishant
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00907
Evidence Hierarchy
Describes what happened to one person or a small group.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
CHS is a condition where chronic, long-term cannabis users develop episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It goes through cycles and is often temporarily relieved by hot baths or showers.
How is CHS treated?
The only definitive treatment is stopping cannabis use. Hot bathing provides temporary symptom relief during episodes, and supportive care addresses dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Read More on RethinkTHC
- cannabis-dependence-physical-psychological-addiction-science
- cannabis-perception-vs-evidence-gap
- cannabis-use-disorder-test
- cross-addiction-quit-weed-start-drinking
- is-weed-addictive
- is-weed-addictive-science
- quitting-weed-and-alcohol
- rehab-for-weed-addiction-necessary
- signs-of-cannabis-use-disorder
- weed-vape-pen-addiction
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00907APA
Bajgoric, Sanjin; Samra, Kiran; Chandrapalan, Subashini; Gautam, Nishant. (2015). Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: a guide for the practising clinician.. BMJ case reports, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2015-210246
MLA
Bajgoric, Sanjin, et al. "Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: a guide for the practising clinician.." BMJ case reports, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2015-210246
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: a guide for the practising..." RTHC-00907. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/bajgoric-2015-cannabinoid-hyperemesis-syndrome-a
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.