For generations, cannabis carried a heavy social burden. Many adults over a certain age will remember a time when the plant was surrounded by anxiety, cautionary tales, and a level of stigma that shaped public opinion for much of the 20th century. Whether through news broadcasts, school programs, or cultural stereotypes, cannabis was frequently portrayed as a dangerous substance that posed serious risks to individuals and communities.
Fast forward to the early 21st century, and the landscape looks remarkably different. While some regions around the globe still enforce strict laws and maintain strong cultural opposition to cannabis use, a broader shift has taken place—particularly across the United States. After decades of debate, advocacy, and research, more states than ever before have legalized the plant, either for medical use or recreational consumption.
At the time of this writing, 24 U.S. states permit recreational cannabis use, and even more allow medical access. With these policy changes has come a transformation in cultural attitudes. For millions of Americans, cannabis is no longer viewed as a symbol of moral decline or a dangerous gateway to harder substances. Instead, it is often seen as a common recreational product, a wellness aid, or a controlled intoxicant comparable to alcohol.
But this evolution in perception has created a complex relationship between public acceptance, commercial availability, and medical understanding. While cannabis may be safer than many substances historically grouped alongside it, and while its therapeutic applications continue to be studied, it is not without risks. All substances—legal or otherwise—have potential side effects, and cannabis is no exception.
This brings us to a lesser-known but increasingly discussed medical condition: Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome, often referred to by the informal and dramatic-sounding nickname “scromiting.”
Chapter 1: From Prohibition to Popularity—How Cannabis Entered the Mainstream
To understand why certain health concerns are only now gaining widespread attention, it helps to look at how quickly cannabis has moved from taboo to mainstream.
1.1 A century of changing narratives
In the mid-20th century, strict national campaigns depicted cannabis as a threat to society. These messages were amplified through film, school programs, and government-backed public service announcements. For decades, scientific research was limited by legal restrictions, leaving many questions unanswered.
1.2 The rise of medical research
In the 1990s and early 2000s, several states began exploring cannabis as a possible tool for managing chronic pain, nausea, and other medical conditions. As more research emerged, the conversation broadened. The plant became associated with therapeutic potential, and public interest grew.
1.3 Legalization and commercialization
Once Colorado and Washington opened the door to recreational legalization in 2012, the political and cultural momentum changed dramatically. Within a few years, more states followed. Cannabis dispensaries began appearing in cities, marketing expanded, and public conversation shifted again—from prohibition to responsible use.
This cultural shift created opportunities and challenges alike. Greater access meant more freedom for adults to choose how they manage stress or pain, but also meant more chances for misuse, overconsumption, or misunderstanding of the plant’s effects.
Chapter 2: Understanding Cannabis and the Human Body
Cannabis interacts with the body through a network known as the endocannabinoid system, which influences mood, memory, appetite, and stress responses.
2.1 THC and its varied effects
The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can produce a wide range of experiences:
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Relaxation
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Euphoria
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Enhanced sensory perception
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Increased appetite
But it can also lead to:
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Anxiety
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Elevated heart rate
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Paranoia
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Disorientation
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In rare cases, temporary psychosis
The effects depend on dosage, frequency of use, individual biology, and potency—an important point, given that modern cannabis products can contain far more THC than those from past decades.
2.2 Edibles and concentrates
Today’s cannabis market includes high-potency concentrates, edibles with delayed onset, and products marketed in forms that appeal to different consumer groups. This variety can make dosing difficult for inexperienced users and potentially increase the likelihood of negative side effects.
Chapter 3: A Little-Known Condition Gains Attention — Introduction to CHS
Although cannabis is widely used and generally considered low-risk for most adults, a surprising and serious medical condition has become more common in recent years: Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).
3.1 What is Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome?
CHS is a disorder characterized by:
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Severe nausea
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Repeated vomiting
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Intense abdominal discomfort
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Temperature sensitivity
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Cycles of symptom flare-ups
The condition primarily affects long-term, frequent cannabis users. People who have consumed cannabis for years without any issues can suddenly develop symptoms seemingly out of nowhere.
3.2 Why the term “scromiting” emerged
The nickname “scromiting” is a blend of the words screaming and vomiting. Some individuals experience episodes so intensely that medical staff have reported patients crying out in pain while vomiting repeatedly. The term is informal, not medical, and many healthcare professionals prefer “CHS” to avoid sensationalism.
Chapter 4: The Medical Mystery Behind CHS
Researchers first began documenting CHS in the early 2000s, but the condition remained obscure for years because:
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Cannabis research was limited by legal barriers.
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The symptoms resemble those of many other gastrointestinal disorders.
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Most healthcare providers were unfamiliar with the syndrome.
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Patients rarely associated cannabis—a substance known to reduce nausea—with their symptoms.
This created a perfect storm of confusion. Many individuals experiencing CHS genuinely believed cannabis could help calm their nausea, not realizing that it was contributing to the symptoms.
4.1 A paradoxical condition
Cannabis is widely known for its anti-nausea effects, particularly in medical contexts such as chemotherapy treatment. This makes CHS particularly surprising: a substance that helps some people manage nausea can cause debilitating nausea in others.
The exact biological mechanism is still under study, but scientists believe prolonged exposure to THC may disrupt certain signaling pathways in the gut or brain.
4.2 The role of high-potency cannabis
Modern cannabis products, especially concentrates, can contain far higher THC levels than previous generations of users ever encountered. Some researchers suspect this may contribute to rising CHS rates.
Chapter 5: Real Stories From Emergency Rooms
Doctors across the country have reported a significant rise in patients experiencing symptoms consistent with CHS.
5.1 A patient’s struggle with recurring episodes
One individual described arriving at the emergency room multiple times over a six-month period. The patient reported:
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Persistent, burning abdominal discomfort
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Vomiting that would not stop
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Difficulty keeping food or water down
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Temporary relief only through extremely hot showers
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A cycle of symptoms returning every few weeks
For many people with CHS, hot baths or showers provide the only temporary comfort because the heat may affect sensory pathways involved in nausea regulation.
5.2 Another patient compared the pain to childbirth
A different patient explained that the discomfort was among the most severe sensations she had ever felt. She described moments of pleading for the episode to end, helpless to stop the waves of nausea and pain.
For both patients, cannabis use unintentionally triggered these episodes, even though they had no prior history of problems.
Chapter 6: Why Treatment Is So Challenging
One of the most difficult aspects of CHS is that standard anti-nausea medications often fail. Emergency departments typically use medications that work well for stomach bugs or food poisoning, but CHS operates differently.
6.1 Medical professionals weigh in
Dr. Chris Buresh, an emergency medicine specialist, describes the challenge clearly:
“There are currently no therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and standard anti-nausea medications often don’t work.”
Instead, physicians sometimes rely on:
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IV fluids
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Medications to reduce stomach acid
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Temporary pain management
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Capsaicin creams for the abdomen (which may mimic the relief of hot showers)
But these treatments address only the symptoms—not the root cause.
6.2 Only one long-term solution exists
Medical researchers and clinicians agree:
Stopping cannabis use is the only definitive way to prevent CHS from returning.
This can be difficult for people who have used cannabis daily for years, especially those who rely on it for anxiety relief, sleep, or chronic pain management. Some individuals stop temporarily after a severe episode, but later resume use because they believe the nausea stemmed from something else. When they use again, symptoms often return.
Dr. Beatriz Carlini of the University of Washington notes that this intermittent cycle leads many users to mistakenly believe cannabis is unrelated—until further episodes prove otherwise.
Chapter 7: Research Findings—What Studies Reveal About CHS
As awareness grows, researchers have begun gathering more data to understand how widespread the condition truly is.
7.1 A large study offers insight
A study by George Washington University surveyed more than 1,000 people affected by CHS. Key findings included:
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Many CHS patients reported heavy or long-term cannabis use.
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A significant number had been using cannabis since adolescence.
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A majority required emergency medical care during severe episodes.
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Many participants did not know CHS existed until they were diagnosed.
7.2 Adolescents and rising health concerns
Even more concerning is the documented increase in cases among teens. From 2016 to 2023, reports of CHS in adolescents increased more than tenfold in the United States.
Surprisingly, some of the steepest increases appeared in states where recreational cannabis is still illegal. Researchers believe this may be due to:
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Limited regulation of black-market products
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Higher likelihood of contaminated or unregulated cannabis
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Lack of consumer education
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Social pressure or novelty among younger users
While more data is needed, early findings highlight the importance of public awareness—especially among teenagers and parents.
Chapter 8: Why Hot Showers Provide Temporary Relief
One of the strangest features of CHS is the fact that hot showers or baths can temporarily reduce symptoms. Many patients report taking multiple long hot showers during an episode, sometimes for hours at a time.
8.1 The science behind it
Heat activates temperature-sensitive receptors in the skin that may temporarily override nausea signals. This is similar to how capsaicin cream creates a warming sensation that distracts the body from deeper discomfort.
However, this relief is short-lived and does not prevent the next episode.
Chapter 9: How CHS Fits Into the Broader Cannabis Conversation
CHS does not mean cannabis is “bad” or inherently dangerous. Millions of adults use cannabis without ever developing this condition. Still, CHS adds an important layer to the conversation about responsible use.
9.1 Cannabis is not risk-free
Just as alcohol can cause liver disease or caffeine can trigger heart palpitations, cannabis has its own set of possible side effects. CHS is one of the lesser-known ones.
9.2 The importance of public education
As cannabis becomes more mainstream, it becomes crucial for:
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Consumers
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Parents
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Educators
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Healthcare providers
to understand both the benefits and the risks.
9.3 How legalization helps
Regulated markets often include:
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Improved product consistency
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Clear labeling of potency
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Consumer education materials
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Testing for contaminants
These safeguards help reduce the risk of adverse reactions, though they cannot eliminate all health concerns.
Chapter 10: Recognizing Early Warning Signs of CHS
Early detection can prevent more severe episodes.
10.1 Common early symptoms
People may notice:
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Cycles of morning nausea
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Reduced appetite
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Cramping in the upper abdomen
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Needing hot showers to feel normal
10.2 Symptoms during the “hyperemetic” phase
This more severe stage can include:
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Repeated vomiting
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Dehydration
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Extreme discomfort
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Inability to tolerate food
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Rapid weight loss
If someone experiences these symptoms and uses cannabis regularly, CHS becomes a possibility worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Chapter 11: Steps Toward Recovery and Prevention
The most effective long-term strategy is complete cessation of cannabis use. For many people, symptoms disappear within days or weeks after quitting.
11.1 Support for quitting
Some individuals benefit from:
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Counseling
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Support groups
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Medical guidance
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Alternatives for managing sleep or anxiety
11.2 Preventing future episodes
Avoiding cannabis entirely is the only guaranteed way to prevent CHS from returning.
Chapter 12: A Balanced View of Cannabis in Today’s World
As society continues reevaluating cannabis policy and public attitudes, CHS serves as a reminder that even widely accepted substances can carry risks. The goal of public health discussions is not to demonize cannabis or discourage responsible adult use, but to ensure people have full and accurate information.
12.1 The bigger picture
Cannabis has legitimate medical applications. For many adults, it provides relief that traditional medications cannot offer. But like any substance, it requires awareness, moderation, and informed decision-making.
12.2 Why open conversation matters
The more we talk openly about issues like CHS—without stigma, judgment, or exaggeration—the more effectively we can support healthy choices.
Conclusion: Moving Forward With Knowledge and Awareness
Cannabis is no longer the taboo subject it once was. For many people, it has become a normalized part of adult life. But with mainstream acceptance comes the responsibility to understand the full scope of its effects, both beneficial and harmful.
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome is still being studied, but awareness is growing. Recognizing the symptoms, understanding the risks, and promoting open dialogue can help prevent unnecessary suffering and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
As cannabis policies continue to evolve, so too must our knowledge. By approaching the topic with balance, empathy, and scientific curiosity, we can create a future where cannabis use—medical or recreational—is grounded in safety, transparency, and well-informed choices.