Menstrual-Linked Vomiting Can Mimic Cannabinoid Hyperemesis in Cannabis Users
Two adolescent cases show that cyclic vomiting linked to the menstrual cycle can be mistakenly attributed to cannabis use, and hormonal treatment resolved symptoms despite continued cannabis use.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Two adolescent patients with heavy cannabis use and cyclical vomiting were initially suspected of having cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Further investigation revealed that vomiting episodes correlated with the menstrual cycle (catamenial CVS). Hormonal contraceptive therapy successfully treated the vomiting in both cases, even though cannabis use continued.
Key Numbers
2 adolescent cases. Both had heavy cannabis use and cyclical vomiting. Both successfully treated with hormonal contraception. Both continued cannabis use without recurrence of vomiting.
How They Did This
Case report of 2 adolescent patients presenting with cyclical vomiting and heavy cannabis use. Clinical investigation included menstrual history correlation and treatment trial with hormonal contraception.
Why This Research Matters
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is increasingly diagnosed in cannabis users with cyclic vomiting. These cases demonstrate that menstrual-linked cyclic vomiting can be misdiagnosed as CHS, leading to unnecessary cannabis cessation demands and missed effective treatments.
The Bigger Picture
As CHS awareness grows, there is a risk of over-attributing all cyclic vomiting in cannabis users to cannabis. Careful clinical evaluation, particularly menstrual history in female patients, is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Only 2 cases reported. Cannot establish prevalence of misdiagnosis. No standardized diagnostic criteria applied. Possible that hormonal treatment coincidentally resolved symptoms.
Questions This Raises
- ?How often is catamenial CVS misdiagnosed as CHS in cannabis-using women?
- ?Should menstrual history assessment be standard in CHS diagnostic workups?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Case report with only 2 patients provides limited evidence, though the clinical lesson is important.
- Study Age:
- Recently published case report.
- Original Title:
- The Clinical Conundrum of Cyclic Vomiting in the Cannabinoid User: Simply Cannabinoid Hyperemesis or Could It Be More?
- Published In:
- ACG case reports journal, 12(5), e01711 (2025)
- Authors:
- Sinan, Kenan, Beydoun, Serina, Lulgjuraj, Tony
- Database ID:
- RTHC-07665
Evidence Hierarchy
Watches what happens naturally without intervening.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CHS and catamenial CVS?
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is caused by heavy cannabis use and resolves with cessation. Catamenial CVS is cyclic vomiting linked to the menstrual cycle, treatable with hormonal therapy. Both can cause similar symptoms in cannabis-using women.
Can you have cyclic vomiting from something other than cannabis?
Yes. Cyclic vomiting syndrome has multiple causes, including menstrual cycle triggers, migraines, and metabolic conditions. Cannabis use does not automatically mean cannabis is the cause.
Read More on RethinkTHC
- cannabis-cardiovascular-heart-risk-stroke
- cannabis-heart-cardiovascular-risk
- coughing-up-stuff-after-quitting-weed
- lung-recovery-after-quitting-smoking-weed
- lung-recovery-quitting-weed
- quitting-weed-female-hormones
- quitting-weed-weight-gain-loss-diet-appetite
- sex-after-quitting-weed
- weed-DUI-driving-impaired-cannabis-laws
- weed-acne-skin
- weed-fertility-sperm
- weed-gut-digestion-problems
- weed-heart-health
- weed-testosterone-levels
- cannabis-and-ibs-gut-health-inflammation
- cannabis-and-crohns-disease-gastroenterology
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-07665APA
Sinan, Kenan; Beydoun, Serina; Lulgjuraj, Tony. (2025). The Clinical Conundrum of Cyclic Vomiting in the Cannabinoid User: Simply Cannabinoid Hyperemesis or Could It Be More?. ACG case reports journal, 12(5), e01711. https://doi.org/10.14309/crj.0000000000001711
MLA
Sinan, Kenan, et al. "The Clinical Conundrum of Cyclic Vomiting in the Cannabinoid User: Simply Cannabinoid Hyperemesis or Could It Be More?." ACG case reports journal, 2025. https://doi.org/10.14309/crj.0000000000001711
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "The Clinical Conundrum of Cyclic Vomiting in the Cannabinoid..." RTHC-07665. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/sinan-2025-the-clinical-conundrum-of
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.