He rolls into the emergency department, gripping his stomach, pale, miserable, and defeated. I recognize him instantly—his fifth visit this year. A daily dabber, a heavy hitter, usually proud of his tolerance. Now, he’s drenched in sweat, dry-heaving uncontrollably. Between waves of nausea, he gasps out his only relief: blazing-hot showers. Hours spent curled beneath the water. “Weed helps my anxiety,” he groans, desperate for understanding. He’s telling the truth, but he’s also right that something has fundamentally changed.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is impacting more cannabis users, especially those who prefer potent THC concentrates. Emergency departments around the nation report dramatic increases in CHS cases, but public awareness and education lag. Addressing CHS openly doesn’t mean demonizing cannabis: it means recognizing a serious issue too critical to ignore.
Despite rising numbers and long-term impact, “weed vomiting” remains the cannabis problem nobody talks about. Users dismiss it. Doctors overlook it. But with dabs and vapes on the rise, ER visits are climbing fast. CHS is not a made-up scare tactic. It’s real: intense, cyclic vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and, uniquely, relief from hot showers. Doctors use the Rome IV criteria: repeated vomiting linked to heavy cannabis use, dramatic improvement when cannabis stops, and no other medical cause. Still, many suffer years of misdiagnoses—gastritis, anxiety, gallbladder issues—before finding answers. CHS demands a compassionate, honest approach that respects cannabis culture and prioritizes health.
Cannabis typically soothes nausea, but in some, it can cause relentless vomiting. The mechanism is complex and poorly understood. But we know THC overstimulates the TRPV1 receptor—our body’s heat sensor—which disrupts the internal thermostat. Hot showers work because they help reset those confused signals.
The endocannabinoid system, especially CB1 receptors, also plays a role. Normally, these receptors help …
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Author: Rick Pescatore / High Times
