CHS Cases in Massachusetts ERs Surged 14-Fold From 2012 to 2021
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
Population-level analysis of over 15 million emergency department visits in Massachusetts from 2012 to 2021 using state health information data.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?How much of the increase is better diagnosis versus true incidence growth?
- ?Why are minority populations disproportionately affected?
- ?Is product potency driving the surge?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- CHS in Massachusetts ERs: 14-fold increase from 2012 to 2021
- Evidence Grade:
- Population-level data covering over 15 million ED visits provides robust epidemiological evidence, though diagnostic coding limitations apply.
- Study Age:
- 2025 study analyzing 2012-2021 Massachusetts emergency department data.
- Original Title:
- Increasing Prevalence of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Young Adults and Minority Populations.
- Published In:
- The American journal of gastroenterology, 120(12), 2954-2956 (2025)
- Authors:
- Miki, Akari, Tandon, Megha, Murad, Dina, Loughman, Julia, Gilman, Jodi, Jangi, Sushrut
- Database ID:
- RTHC-07137
Evidence Hierarchy
Looks back at existing records to find patterns.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
How common is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
In Massachusetts, CHS cases per 10,000 ER visits went from 0.73 in 2012 to 10.6 in 2021, a 14-fold increase. Young adults aged 18-34 experienced the fastest growth.
Are certain groups more affected by CHS?
Yes. Hispanic, Black, and male individuals had the highest CHS prevalence over the 10-year study period, though the reasons for these disparities are not yet clear.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-07137APA
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
MLA
Miki, Akari, et al. "Increasing Prevalence of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Young Adults and Minority Populations.." The American journal of gastroenterology, 2025. https://doi.org/10.14309/ajg.0000000000003591
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Increasing Prevalence of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in..." RTHC-07137. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/miki-2025-increasing-prevalence-of-cannabinoid
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.