Suspected CHS-related emergency department visits among Americans aged 15-24 increased by an average of 28.1% annually from 2006 to 2020.
Emergency physicians, pediatric gastroenterologists, and public health planners.
28.1% average annual increase in suspected CHS-related ER visits among youth from 2006 to 2020
What the researchers found
Using the Nationwide Emergency Room Sample, over 55,000 suspected CHS-related ED visits were identified among youth (ages 15-24) between 2006 and 2020, with an average annual increase of 28.1%. Males, those in the western U.S., and those with public insurance were more likely to present with suspected CHS.
Why it matters
The rapid growth in CHS-related ER visits among young people parallels rising cannabis potency and use rates, highlighting an emerging clinical burden that emergency departments need to prepare for.
The numbers in context
Over 55,000 suspected CHS-related ED visits identified. Average annual increase of 28.1% per year from 2006 to 2020. Higher rates in males, western U.S., and public insurance holders.
How the study worked
Retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Emergency Room Sample (2006-2020) identifying suspected CHS-related visits among youth aged 15-24.
What this study cannot tell us
Uses suspected rather than confirmed CHS cases, which may include other causes of cyclic vomiting. Administrative data lacks clinical detail. Cannot confirm cannabis use patterns in individual patients. ICD coding changes over the study period may affect trends.
How to read the evidence
Large national dataset with clear trend data, but reliance on suspected rather than confirmed CHS diagnoses limits precision.
When this study was published
2025 publication with 2006-2020 ER data.
The bigger picture
The 28.1% annual increase in suspected CHS visits far outpaces the growth in cannabis use itself, suggesting that increasing potency, frequency of use, or better recognition may be driving the trend.
Questions still open
- How much of the increase reflects better recognition versus a true rise in CHS incidence?
- Is the high-potency cannabis now available driving CHS rates disproportionately?
Read the original research
Increasing trends of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in youth: The grass is not always greener.
Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 80(4), 638-643
Citation
Jack, Benjamin; Susi, Apryl; Reeves, Patrick; Nylund, Cade M. (2025). Increasing trends of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in youth: The grass is not always greener.. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 80(4), 638-643. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpn3.12469
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