Recognizing the risks of developing CHS can empower marijuana users to take preventative actions, such as reducing or ceasing their marijuana use if they experience any signs of the condition. The exact cause of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome remains unclear, but there are several theories as to why it occurs in some chronic marijuana users. It is believed that prolonged marijuana Halfway house use leads to overstimulation of the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating functions like mood, appetite, and gastrointestinal processes.
- Intravenous fluids and an antiemetic (medicine to stop vomiting) are two standard approaches, Heard says.
- While medications may help reduce nausea, vomiting, and belly pain, only the cessation of marijuana will stop symptoms from returning.
- However, many experts consider these treatments to be ineffective for managing nausea and vomiting in people with CHS.
- In other cases, patients may be misdiagnosed with CHS when they DO actually have another condition.
- Dehydration from vomiting can be fatal, so these symptoms should be taken seriously.
What Products Are Most Likely to Cause Drug-Induced Liver Injury?
If you are experiencing CHS symptoms, the best thing you can do is to stop cannabis use and seek medical care immediately. Dehydration from vomiting can be fatal, so these symptoms should be taken seriously. One study found a median time of 8 chs weed years from symptoms beginning to diagnosis – with some patients going up to 21 years with symptoms before a CHS diagnosis. Patients in that study went to the ER an average of 22 times for their symptoms before getting a diagnosis. The pain is usually around the belly button and can get better with hot shower/baths.
Prodromal Phase
- Most people who use cannabis heavily never develop the syndrome, so prevention is not necessary for most people.
- The theory holds that the longer the user consumes cannabis, the more likely the cannabinoid use will damage the related systems.
- Theara Coleman has worked as a staff writer at The Week since September 2022.
- Without proper studies comparing genetic profiles of patients exposed to clean versus contaminated cannabis, this research is essentially meaningless.
In addition, CVS patients have a high prevalence of migraine headaches or a family history of migraines. Furthermore, gastric emptying rates in patients with CVS are often accelerated rather than delayed 46,65. Table 2 summarizes some of the epidemiological and clinical characteristics that may help distinguish CVS and CHS. The most effective treatment during the hyperemetic phase of CHS is the use of hot showers by patients. The effects of this learned behavior are temperature-dependent 6, fast acting 6, but short-lived 6,56,62.
Side Effects and Phases of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
However, you might research the cannabis strains you use to determine their reported effects on digestive and related systems. What distinguishes CHS is the severity of the pain and vomiting. Experience shows that cannabis does not cause addiction or lead to death. However, the shadows lingering over cannabis use for a century or more have radically limited the research necessary to understand cannabis composition and effects fully.
