Systematic review identified multiple treatments for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome

A systematic review of 17 studies found cannabis cessation is the most effective CHS treatment, with hot baths, capsaicin cream, haloperidol, and other medications providing symptom relief.

Senderovich, Helen et al.·Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University·2022·Moderate EvidenceSystematic Review
RTHC-04211Systematic ReviewModerate Evidence2022RETHINKTHC RESEARCH DATABASErethinkthc.com/research

Quick Facts

Study Type
Systematic Review
Evidence
Moderate Evidence
Sample
N=17

What This Study Found

Cannabis cessation is the most successful management for CHS. Other treatments demonstrating symptom relief include hot water hydrotherapy, topical capsaicin cream, haloperidol, droperidol, benzodiazepines, propranolol, and aprepitant.

Key Numbers

225 records retrieved, 17 included. Cannabis use duration of 6 months to 11 years may precipitate CHS. Rome IV criteria require symptoms for at least 6 months. Multiple treatment options identified beyond cessation.

How They Did This

Systematic review searching PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar for CHS articles from January 2009 to June 2021. Of 225 results, 17 were deemed relevant and reviewed by two independent reviewers.

Why This Research Matters

CHS is increasingly recognized in emergency departments and clinical settings. This review consolidates the evidence on treatment options, giving clinicians a practical reference for managing this condition.

The Bigger Picture

As cannabis use becomes more common, CHS recognition and management become more important. Having a systematic summary of treatment options helps emergency physicians and primary care providers respond effectively.

What This Study Doesn't Tell Us

Only 17 studies met inclusion criteria, indicating limited evidence overall. Most included studies were case reports or small series. No randomized trials comparing treatments were available.

Questions This Raises

  • ?Which treatment is most effective for acute CHS episodes in the emergency department?
  • ?Can any medication prevent CHS in chronic cannabis users?
  • ?Why does hot water hydrotherapy provide relief?

Trust & Context

Key Stat:
6 months to 11 years of cannabis use may precipitate CHS
Evidence Grade:
Moderate: systematic review methodology, but limited by small number of included studies and lack of randomized trials.
Study Age:
Published in 2022.
Original Title:
A Systematic Review on Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome and Its Management Options.
Published In:
Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre, 31(1), 29-38 (2022)
Database ID:
RTHC-04211

Evidence Hierarchy

Meta-Analysis / Systematic ReviewCombines many studies into one answer
This study
Randomized Controlled Trial
Cohort / Case-Control
Cross-Sectional / Observational
Case Report / Animal Study

Analyzes all available research on a topic using a structured method.

What do these levels mean? →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Rome IV criteria for CHS?

They require cannabinoid use and persistence of nausea and vomiting symptoms for at least the past 6 months to diagnose CHS.

Why does capsaicin cream work for CHS?

Capsaicin activates TRPV1 receptors, which are part of the same system that cannabinoids interact with. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but topical capsaicin applied to the abdomen has provided relief in multiple reports.

Is CHS the same as cyclic vomiting syndrome?

They share similar symptoms, but CHS is specifically linked to chronic cannabinoid use and resolves with cessation. Cyclic vomiting syndrome has different underlying causes.

Read More on RethinkTHC

Cite This Study

RTHC-04211·https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-04211

APA

Senderovich, Helen; Patel, Preet; Jimenez Lopez, Briam; Waicus, Sarah. (2022). A Systematic Review on Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome and Its Management Options.. Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre, 31(1), 29-38. https://doi.org/10.1159/000520417

MLA

Senderovich, Helen, et al. "A Systematic Review on Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome and Its Management Options.." Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1159/000520417

RethinkTHC

RethinkTHC Research Database. "A Systematic Review on Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome and Its..." RTHC-04211. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/senderovich-2022-a-systematic-review-on

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.