Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome CHS: Symptoms & Risks

“It’s the best medication that helps her sleep for the last five years. “It may be that the cannabinoid is only sort of one aspect of the way the patient is hurting that needs to be addressed to really get them to heal,” he said. Though cannabis has become more culturally acceptable and more widely legal, both in the U.S. and abroad, its regular use is still a sensitive topic. One study looking at Reddit posts on the subject found that spicy food, greasy food, coffee, black tea, and alcohol were frequently mentioned as CHS triggers. These foods/beverages are mostly acidic, but relationships between them and CHS have not been studied scientifically, although the co-use of weed and alcohol is well-known, the study authors said.

Medical treatment is essential for anyone experiencing extreme vomiting, since it can cause serious, and even fatal dehydration. Many people experience temporary relief from their nausea and vomiting when bathing in hot water. Some people with CHS may compulsively bathe in hot water for hours a day to find relief. When you use marijuana for many years, it can start to slowly change how the receptors in your body respond to the cannabinoid chemicals.

For Loved Ones: How to Support a Loved One’s Mental Health

The average length of time between the onset of symptoms and a CHS diagnosis was 6.1 years (range 1–10 years) and patients visited the ED at average of 10 times before diagnosis was made. All patients found relief in hot showers and all were described as “uncooperative” with a CHS diagnosis. Upon being hospitalized, 100% of patients had complete resolution of all symptoms an average of 3.6 days after discontinuation of marijuana (range 2–5 days). In this case series, the investigators noted that this latter patient − who continued to use cannabis − had the greatest number of acute episodes of CHS 129. Thus, severe symptoms may not be sufficient to compel an individual to discontinue marijuana or cannabis may have an adverse effect on the individual’s ability to make sound decisions 129. In all 4 cases, CHS was diagnosed, and patients were counseled to avoid cannabis in the future.

  • Hot bathing has been shown to relieve abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting in people with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.
  • Understanding what CHS is, can help us better understand why the syndrome affects some people the way it does.
  • Similarly, a defect in the transport within a white blood cell (WBC) renders the cell helpless in killing infective agents like viruses or bacteria and causing the immune problems.
  • The summary contains medical and scientific terms, so we encourage you to share and discuss this information with your doctor.

🌟 Need Guidance on CHS & Cannabis Use?

Patients were followed for a median of 9.5 months (range 1–20 months). In this group, 9 patients smoked marijuana for recreation, while the other patient had been prescribed synthetic cannabinoids (nabilone 2 mg twice a day) to treat multiple sclerosis. The approximate consumption of THC per day was a mean of 70.3 ± 40.8 mg. Seventy percent of pa tients reported symptoms typically began in the morning 120. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a condition linked to long-term cannabis use.

  • He noted a 72-year-old patient who uses cannabis to help her sleep.
  • Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) can seriously impact a person’s life, causing ongoing nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain that disrupt daily activities, work, and social interactions.
  • Gastric motility and gastroparesis must be discussed in the context of CHS.

The Hyperemetic Phase:

Lots of patients with CHS find relief from heat therapy such as hot showers & baths, a heating pad also works! Although there’s no official reason for why this provides relief for CHS patients, scientists believe that warm temperatures correct the cannabis-induced disequilibrium at the thermoregulatory centers. Heat/hot showers also activates TRPV1 which helps with inhibiting pain signals, resulting in analgesic and antiemetic effects. Due to the complexity of diagnosing CHS, it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals who are familiar with the condition. If CHS is suspected, stopping marijuana use is the first crucial step, and seeking treatment for marijuana addiction may be https://ecosoberhouse.com/ necessary to prevent further complications. If you are experiencing unexplained vomiting and are a frequent cannabis user, it’s crucial to consult a qualified medical professional.

The exact cause of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome remains unclear, but there are several theories as to why it occurs in some chronic marijuana chs symptoms users. It is believed that prolonged marijuana use leads to overstimulation of the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating functions like mood, appetite, and gastrointestinal processes. MY FLORIDA GREEN helps people gain fast and easy access to nature-grown medicines that work in a manner synthetic chemicals cannot. We deliver compassionate care and work to build lasting relationships with our customers by enhancing their experiences. Our goal is to help people live their best lives using medical marijuana. The recovery stage can be long, but once cannabis is stopped, most patients see significant improvement.

Managing Tremors with Medical Marijuana

When you use weed, these compounds bind to cannabinoid receptors found in your brain, digestive tract (gut), and certain cells in your body. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main cannabinoids in marijuana products. THC is what’s responsible for the “high” most people feel when they use marijuana.

chs symptoms

If you or a loved one regularly uses cannabis and experiences unexplained nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, it may be time to consult a gastroenterologist. Early intervention can not only bring relief but also prevent potential complications such as severe dehydration Alcohol Use Disorder and electrolyte imbalances. The team at MNGI Digestive Health is here to help identify and manage CHS, along with any other gastrointestinal issues you may be facing. For those experiencing acute symptoms, supportive treatments are available to alleviate nausea, dehydration, and abdominal pain.

Who is at risk for developing Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?

We understand how painful and confusing it can be to battle repeated bouts of nausea and vomiting. Most CHS patients discover the symptomatic relief of hot showers on their own and use this method to control symptoms 1. In a case study from Texas, a 27-year-old male patient with CHS reported he found relief in hot showers but over time, he became refractory to the hot water and ended up having to visit the ED 105. A diagnosis of CHS is confirmed when all symptoms resolve for a long period of time (∼12 months) with the cessation of marijuana 15.

What happens if cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is left untreated?

chs symptoms

CHS is a rare but essential reminder that cannabis, like all medications, should be used responsibly and under proper guidance. Understanding the 3 stages of CHS, recognizing symptoms early, and seeking professional help are vital steps in managing this condition. Splanchnic vasodilation – THC alters blood flow, potentially contributing to nausea and abdominal pain. Gallbladder Disease – Biliary dysfunction causing nausea and vomiting. This page provides a comprehensive, evidence-based perspective on CHS, distinguishing it from other conditions and outlining a more effective, patient-centered approach to management.

FAQ on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)

The 11-OH-THC metabolite is psychoactive and is equipotent to THC in terms of psychoactive effects; THC-COOH is not psychotropic and has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties 41, 42. CBD is not psychotropic, has little affinity for the CB1/CB2 receptors, and appears to be a partial agnostic at the serotonin receptors 43. CBD enhances the expression of the CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus, plus it amplifies the hypothermic effects of THC 44. In preclinical studies, toxin-induced vomiting treated with CBD showed a biphasic response, that is, low doses of CBD had an antiemetic effect while higher doses had a proemetic effect 37, 45.


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