Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Teenagers Is Underrecognized and Growing

CHS is increasingly being diagnosed in adolescents despite limited data in the pediatric population. The review highlights diagnostic challenges specific to younger patients, the limited efficacy of standard anti-emetic therapies (which often fail in CHS), and the central role of cannabis cessation as the only definitive treatment. Awareness among pediatricians and emergency physicians remains low.

Narrative review synthesizing epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of CHS specifically in the pediatric population.

With high rates of cannabis use among teenagers and increasing potency of cannabis products, CHS in adolescents is likely to become more common. The review highlights that pediatric cases often go through extensive and unnecessary diagnostic workups before CHS is recognized, adding cost and delay.

CHS in adolescents represents a growing intersection between youth cannabis use trends and pediatric emergency medicine. As cannabis products become more potent and accessible, pediatricians and ER doctors need to include CHS in their differential diagnosis for adolescents presenting with cyclic vomiting, especially those who report cannabis use.

Narrative review with no new data. Pediatric-specific data on CHS remain scarce. The pathophysiology is still not fully understood. Cannot estimate true prevalence in the adolescent population.