A large single-institution case series documented cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) in pediatric patients, highlighting that the condition remains underdiagnosed and leads to unnecessary testing, increased healthcare use, and mental health burden in adolescents.
Pediatric clinicians, adolescent health providers, parents of teen cannabis users
CHS remains underdiagnosed in adolescents despite being a large case series
What the researchers found
CHS, a recurring vomiting disorder triggered by long-term frequent cannabis use, is being identified in pediatric patients but remains underdiagnosed. The condition leads to unnecessary diagnostic evaluations and increased healthcare utilization among adolescents.
Why it matters
As cannabis use among teens becomes more common, pediatric CHS is likely to increase. Recognizing the syndrome early can prevent expensive and invasive diagnostic workups and connect patients with appropriate treatment.
The numbers in context
The abstract describes this as a "large case series" in pediatrics with data on treatment efficacy, healthcare utilization, and comorbidities (full numbers in the paper)
How the study worked
Single-institution case series of pediatric CHS patients, including data on treatment efficacy, healthcare utilization, and comorbidities.
What this study cannot tell us
Single institution limits generalizability. Case series design provides no comparison group. Abstract provides limited quantitative detail. Selection bias possible in case identification.
How to read the evidence
Preliminary: case series from a single institution without a control group. Provides clinical observations but cannot establish prevalence or treatment efficacy.
When this study was published
2026 publication from a single pediatric institution.
The bigger picture
CHS awareness has grown among adult emergency medicine, but pediatric recognition lags behind. As cannabis potency and youth access increase, pediatric emergency departments will likely see more cases.
Questions still open
- What is the typical delay between symptom onset and CHS diagnosis in adolescents? Which treatments are most effective in pediatric CHS? Do adolescent CHS patients reduce or stop cannabis use after diagnosis?
Common questions
What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
Can teens get CHS?
Read the original research
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Adolescents: A Single Institution Case Series.
Pediatric emergency care
Citation
Vega Castellvi, Claudia; Jennings, Natalie F; Clemente Fabrega, Melissa; Gamboa, Heidi; Li, B U K. (2026). Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Adolescents: A Single Institution Case Series.. Pediatric emergency care. https://doi.org/10.1097/PEC.0000000000003577
Explore the wider topic
- How to Talk to Your Teenager About Weed (Without Losing Them)
- My Kid's Friends Smoke Weed: A Parent's Guide
- I Smoke Weed But Don't Want My Kids To: Navigating the Hypocrisy
- Quitting Weed as a Parent: Why It Is the Hardest and Most Important Quit
- Quitting Weed as a Teen or Young Adult
- My Kid Is Smoking Weed: A Parent's Guide