A 16-year-old with two years of unexplained recurrent vomiting episodes was finally diagnosed with cannabis hyperemesis syndrome after extensive testing, highlighting the need to consider CHS in adolescents.
Parents, healthcare providers, and anyone concerned about cannabis effects in young people.
2 years of symptoms before CHS diagnosis
What the researchers found
A 16.5-year-old male presented with a 2-year history of vomiting episodes lasting up to 10 days, with abdominal pain and weight loss. After extensive workup ruled out other causes, CHS was diagnosed based on the temporal relationship between cannabis use and symptom onset. Symptoms resolved with supportive care and cannabis cessation.
Why it matters
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is increasingly recognized in adults but may be underdiagnosed in adolescents, leading to unnecessary testing and prolonged suffering. Given increasing cannabis use and potency among youth, pediatric providers need to consider CHS.
The numbers in context
16.5-year-old male. 2-year symptom history. Vomiting episodes lasting up to 10 days. Symptoms resolved after cannabis cessation.
How the study worked
Single case report with clinical documentation of diagnostic workup, temporal relationship between cannabis use and symptoms, and treatment response.
What this study cannot tell us
Single case report. Diagnosis based on temporal association and exclusion. No biomarkers for CHS exist.
How to read the evidence
Preliminary: single case report, useful for clinical awareness but cannot establish patterns or prevalence.
When this study was published
Published in 2025.
The bigger picture
As cannabis potency increases and youth access expands, CHS may become more common in adolescent populations. Current clinical guidelines may need specific pediatric diagnostic criteria for CHS.
Questions still open
- How common is CHS in adolescents?
- Should CHS screening be standard for adolescents with unexplained recurrent vomiting?
- Are pediatric-specific diagnostic criteria needed?
Common questions
Can teenagers get cannabis hyperemesis syndrome?
How is cannabis hyperemesis syndrome diagnosed?
Read the original research
Recognizing Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome in Pediatric Patients: Insights From a Case Report.
Cureus, 17(3), e79904
Citation
Rucinski, Pawel; Akutko, Katarzyna; Pytrus, Tomasz. (2025). Recognizing Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome in Pediatric Patients: Insights From a Case Report.. Cureus, 17(3), e79904. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.79904
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