Two pregnant women had repeated hospitalizations for severe vomiting that was ultimately traced to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, with symptoms resolving after cannabis cessation.
OB-GYN providers, emergency physicians, pregnant cannabis users
What the researchers found
Two cases of CHS in pregnancy were described. Case 1: a woman with vomiting episodes at weeks 5, 14, and 30 of gestation; the link to hot bathing for relief led to CHS diagnosis. Symptoms resolved with cannabis cessation; healthy baby born at 38+5 weeks. Case 2: vomiting at weeks 16 and 18; 14+ year cannabis use history disclosed after hot bathing pattern identified. Symptoms resolved with cessation; baby born at 37 weeks with low birth weight (2180g) requiring 5 days in NICU. No relapse at 5 months postpartum with sustained cessation.
Why it matters
CHS in pregnancy is likely underdiagnosed because severe nausea and vomiting are expected symptoms of pregnancy. When anti-emetic treatments fail, the hot bathing clue should prompt inquiry about cannabis use. Misdiagnosis leads to repeated hospitalizations and delays appropriate management.
The numbers in context
Only 11 prior CHS-in-pregnancy cases reported in literature; Case 1: symptoms at weeks 5, 14, 30, resolved with cessation, healthy delivery at 38+5 weeks; Case 2: 14+ years cannabis use, low birth weight baby (2180g), 5 days NICU
How the study worked
Case series of two pregnant women diagnosed with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, with clinical workup, treatment course, and outcomes documented through delivery and postpartum follow-up.
What this study cannot tell us
Case series of only two patients. Cannot establish prevalence. Case 2 had confounding factors (14+ years of heavy cannabis use, low birth weight may have multiple causes). No standardized CHS diagnostic criteria applied.
How to read the evidence
Preliminary: case series of two patients, contributing to a very small literature on this topic.
When this study was published
2025 publication
The bigger picture
As cannabis use during pregnancy increases (6-10% by recent estimates), CHS cases in pregnancy will likely rise. The condition is easily missed when clinicians attribute all vomiting to typical pregnancy-related nausea.
Questions still open
- How many cases of pregnancy hyperemesis are actually undiagnosed CHS?
- Should routine prenatal intake include specific CHS screening questions?
Read the original research
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in pregnancy: a case series and review.
Obstetric medicine, 18(4), 264-271
Citation
Hanley, Sarah; Imcha, Mendinaro; Mohamad, Mas Mahady. (2025). Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in pregnancy: a case series and review.. Obstetric medicine, 18(4), 264-271. https://doi.org/10.1177/1753495X241307415
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