Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Is Becoming More Common in Emergency Departments | Research

The takeaway

A review of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome finds increasing ER diagnoses of this condition, which causes severe vomiting in chronic cannabis users and is frequently misdiagnosed as cyclic vomiting syndrome.

Chronic cannabis users experiencing unexplained vomiting, emergency medicine clinicians, gastroenterologists

CHS diagnoses steadily increasing in emergency departments

What the researchers found

CHS is characterized by cyclical nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in chronic cannabis users, paradoxically caused by a drug known for anti-nausea effects. It is frequently misdiagnosed as cyclic vomiting syndrome. Hot showers/baths provide temporary relief. There has been a steady increase in CHS diagnoses in emergency departments. The pathogenesis is not fully understood but several mechanisms have been proposed.

Why it matters

As cannabis use increases globally, CHS is becoming a more common reason for emergency department visits. Many patients cycle through multiple ER visits and diagnostic workups before receiving the correct diagnosis, leading to unnecessary costs and continued suffering.

The numbers in context

Over 100 biologically active cannabinoids in cannabis. CHS diagnoses increasing in emergency departments. Hot water immersion provides temporary symptom relief. Often misdiagnosed as cyclic vomiting syndrome.

How the study worked

Narrative review summarizing the symptoms, pathogenesis, treatments, and differential diagnoses of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, with attention to its increasing prevalence in emergency settings.

What this study cannot tell us

Narrative review without systematic search methodology. The pathogenesis of CHS remains incompletely understood. Prevalence data are limited and likely underestimate the true burden of disease.

How to read the evidence

Moderate evidence base for CHS as a clinical entity, though the review itself is narrative rather than systematic.

When this study was published

2025 review summarizing current understanding of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

The bigger picture

CHS represents one of the clearest examples of how chronic cannabis use can produce paradoxical health effects. The condition challenges the popular perception of cannabis as universally anti-emetic and highlights the importance of clinician awareness as cannabis use becomes more prevalent.

Questions still open

What predisposes certain chronic users to develop CHS while others do not? Is CHS related to specific cannabis products or consumption methods? How quickly do symptoms resolve after complete cessation?

Common questions

What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?

CHS is a condition where chronic cannabis users experience cycles of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Paradoxically, it is caused by the same drug that is often used to treat nausea. Hot showers or baths temporarily relieve symptoms. The only known cure is stopping cannabis use.

How is CHS different from cyclic vomiting syndrome?

CHS and cyclic vomiting syndrome share similar symptoms of episodic vomiting, but CHS is specifically linked to chronic cannabis use and resolves with cessation. Misdiagnosis is common, and the key distinguishing factor is a thorough cannabis use history.

Read the original research

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Rising Complication.

Cureus, 17(2), e78958

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Peles, Saar; Khalife, Roy; Magliocco, Anthony. (2025). Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Rising Complication.. Cureus, 17(2), e78958. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.78958