A 29-year-old man's recurrent intractable vomiting turned out to be cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
A 29-year-old with the classic triad of cyclic vomiting, chronic marijuana use, and compulsive bathing was diagnosed with CHS after extensive workup as a diagnosis of exclusion.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
A 29-year-old man presented with recurrent episodes of intractable vomiting that followed the classical triad of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: cyclic vomiting, chronic marijuana use, and compulsive hot bathing. The diagnosis was made after other causes were excluded.
The authors emphasized that despite marijuana's well-established antiemetic properties, a paradoxical hyperemetic effect occurs in some chronic users. CHS remained underrecognized at the time of publication, leading to delayed diagnosis and unnecessary medical investigations.
The case reinforced that CHS should be considered plausible in any patient presenting with recurrent intractable vomiting and a strong history of cannabis use, even though it remains a diagnosis of exclusion.
Key Numbers
One patient, age 29. Classical triad present: cyclic vomiting, chronic marijuana use, compulsive bathing. Diagnosis of exclusion.
How They Did This
Single case report of a 29-year-old male with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, with review of the paradoxical relationship between cannabis's antiemetic and hyperemetic effects.
Why This Research Matters
Each CHS case report adds to the medical literature, helping establish diagnostic patterns and raising awareness among clinicians who may not yet be familiar with the condition.
The Bigger Picture
The growing number of CHS case reports has gradually shifted it from a medical curiosity to a recognized clinical entity. Each report helps solidify the diagnostic criteria and raises awareness among emergency and primary care physicians.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Single case report. Diagnosis of exclusion means other conditions must be ruled out first. No information on the specific quantity or duration of cannabis use that preceded the syndrome.
Questions This Raises
- ?What distinguishes cannabis users who develop CHS from those who do not?
- ?Could a positive diagnostic test be developed to replace the current exclusion-based approach?
- ?Is there a genetic predisposition?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Classic triad: cyclic vomiting + chronic cannabis + compulsive bathing
- Evidence Grade:
- Single case report adding to the growing CHS literature.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2015. CHS diagnostic awareness has improved significantly since.
- Original Title:
- Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Paradoxical Cannabis Effect.
- Published In:
- Case reports in gastrointestinal medicine, 2015, 405238 (2015)
- Authors:
- Figueroa-Rivera, Ivonne Marie, Estremera-Marcial, Rodolfo, Sierra-Mercado, Marielly, Gutiérrez-Núñez, José, Toro, Doris H
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00957
Evidence Hierarchy
Describes what happened to one person or a small group.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of CHS?
The classic triad is: cyclic episodes of severe vomiting, a history of chronic cannabis use, and temporary relief from hot baths or showers. It is diagnosed after other causes of vomiting have been excluded.
Why would cannabis cause vomiting if it's an antiemetic?
This paradox is central to CHS. While cannabis is known to reduce nausea, in some chronic users it produces the opposite effect. The exact mechanism is not fully understood.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00957APA
Figueroa-Rivera, Ivonne Marie; Estremera-Marcial, Rodolfo; Sierra-Mercado, Marielly; Gutiérrez-Núñez, José; Toro, Doris H. (2015). Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Paradoxical Cannabis Effect.. Case reports in gastrointestinal medicine, 2015, 405238. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/405238
MLA
Figueroa-Rivera, Ivonne Marie, et al. "Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Paradoxical Cannabis Effect.." Case reports in gastrointestinal medicine, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/405238
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Paradoxical Cannabis Eff..." RTHC-00957. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/figueroa-rivera-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.