French Cases of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Matched the International Pattern | Research

The takeaway

Analysis of 29 French CHS cases and 113 cases from the international literature confirmed a consistent clinical profile: young male daily cannabis users whose symptoms respond to hot showers but not standard antiemetics.

Emergency physicians, gastroenterologists, cannabis users experiencing cyclical vomiting.

142 total cases analyzed (113 international + 29 French), all showing the same clinical profile of daily cannabis use, cyclical vomiting, and relief from hot showers.

What the researchers found

CHS mainly affects young male subjects who have smoked cannabis daily for several years. Hot baths/showers provide the most effective symptom relief, while antiemetics and dopamine antagonists are generally ineffective. The 29 French cases displayed the same characteristics as the 113 cases identified in the international literature.

Why it matters

CHS is increasingly recognized worldwide. This study confirms the syndrome presents consistently across different countries and healthcare systems, supporting the existence of a well-defined clinical entity rather than a reporting artifact.

The numbers in context

137 articles identified, 55 selected with 113 reported cases. 29 additional French cases analyzed. Young males who smoke daily for years are the typical profile.

How the study worked

Systematic search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library identified 55 articles with 113 reported cases. Additionally analyzed 29 cases reported to the French addictovigilance network.

What this study cannot tell us

Case report-based analysis subject to reporting bias. Mild or atypical cases may be underdiagnosed. Pathophysiology remains unclear. No standardized diagnostic criteria at time of publication.

How to read the evidence

Moderate - systematic review of case reports with added French national surveillance data, though limited by case report methodology.

When this study was published

Published in 2018. CHS awareness and diagnosis have increased significantly since.

The bigger picture

The emergence of CHS cases in France, where cannabis use patterns differ from North America, suggests the syndrome is a universal consequence of heavy chronic cannabis use rather than specific to particular cannabis products or cultures.

Questions still open

What is the true prevalence of CHS among daily cannabis users? Are there genetic or metabolic factors that determine who develops it? Will CHS rates increase as cannabis potency and use continue to rise?

Common questions

What are the symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?

CHS causes cyclical episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in chronic daily cannabis users. Hot showers or baths typically provide relief, while standard anti-nausea medications are usually ineffective.

Who gets cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?

Based on 142 reported cases in this review, CHS mainly affects young males who have smoked cannabis daily for several years. The same pattern was seen in both French and international cases.

Read the original research

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: Review of the literature and of cases reported to the French addictovigilance network.

Drug and alcohol dependence, 182, 27-32

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Schreck, Benoît; Wagneur, Nicolas; Caillet, Pascal; Gérardin, Marie; Cholet, Jennyfer; Spadari, Michel; Authier, Nicolas; Tournebize, Juliana; Gaillard, Marion; Serre, Anais; Carton, Louise; Pain, Stéphanie; Jolliet, Pascale; Victorri-Vigneau, Caroline. (2018). Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: Review of the literature and of cases reported to the French addictovigilance network.. Drug and alcohol dependence, 182, 27-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.09.038