Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome cases per 10,000 ER visits increased from 0.73 to 10.6 in Massachusetts over a decade, with young adults and minorities most affected.
Emergency medicine providers, public health surveillance teams, legalization policy researchers
CHS in Massachusetts ERs: 14-fold increase from 2012 to 2021
What the researchers found
CHS prevalence in Massachusetts ERs increased 14-fold from 2012 to 2021 (0.729 to 10.6 per 10,000 visits). Young adults aged 18-34 saw the fastest rise. Hispanic, Black, and male individuals had the highest 10-year prevalence.
Why it matters
This is one of the largest population-level analyses of CHS trends, documenting a dramatic and accelerating increase that parallels cannabis legalization and rising potency.
The numbers in context
CHS per 10,000 ED visits: 0.729 (2012) to 10.6 (2021), a 14-fold increase. Over 15 million ED visits analyzed. Highest rates in ages 18-34, Hispanic individuals, Black individuals, and men.
How the study worked
Population-level analysis of over 15 million emergency department visits in Massachusetts from 2012 to 2021 using state health information data.
What this study cannot tell us
Administrative data depends on correct CHS coding, which may have improved over time. Cannot determine whether increases reflect true prevalence growth or better recognition. Massachusetts-specific findings may not generalize.
How to read the evidence
Population-level data covering over 15 million ED visits provides robust epidemiological evidence, though diagnostic coding limitations apply.
When this study was published
2025 study analyzing 2012-2021 Massachusetts emergency department data.
The bigger picture
The dramatic rise in CHS mirrors trends seen in other legalized states. Demographic disparities suggest that certain populations may face higher exposure to heavy cannabis use or have less access to information about CHS.
Questions still open
- How much of the increase is better diagnosis versus true incidence growth? Why are minority populations disproportionately affected? Is product potency driving the surge?
Common questions
How common is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
Are certain groups more affected by CHS?
Read the original research
Increasing Prevalence of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Young Adults and Minority Populations.
The American journal of gastroenterology, 120(12), 2954-2956
Citation
Miki, Akari; Tandon, Megha; Murad, Dina; Loughman, Julia; Gilman, Jodi; Jangi, Sushrut. (2025). Increasing Prevalence of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Young Adults and Minority Populations.. The American journal of gastroenterology, 120(12), 2954-2956. https://doi.org/10.14309/ajg.0000000000003591
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