Education and awareness are vital in diagnosing and treating CHS as its prevalence increases. This comprehensive review explores the ECS’s involvement, CHS management approaches, and knowledge gaps to enhance understanding of this syndrome. Symptoms of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) are intense, unpleasant, and often confusing. The most prominent symptom is repetitive, severe vomiting—often described as coming in waves and resistant to typical anti-nausea medications. This is usually accompanied by nausea, abdominal cramps or pain (especially in the upper abdomen), and a loss of appetite.
- It is also essential to study the public health implications of the legalization of cannabis in different states and its impact on healthcare utilization.
- The prevalence of cannabis CHS is expected to rise as legal restrictions on its recreational use decrease in several states.
- Studies show that about 80% of people with CHS recover when they completely stop using marijuana.
- Because of this possible complication, it’s important to use caution with marijuana and other cannabis products.
- Symptoms of CHS often improve with cessation of cannabis use but are also noted to respond with compulsive hot showers 12.
What Are The Treatment Options For Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Treatment?
Acupuncture/acupressure has been used to treat nausea symptoms successfully. how long does it take to recover from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome However, there have been no specific studies for this alternative practice in treating CHS. The most effective way to prevent CHS is to avoid chronic use of cannabis. Hot baths or showers may temporarily relieve symptoms, but they are not a long-term solution for CHS. Symptoms become more severe and debilitating in this hyper (excessive) emetic (vomiting) phase.
Cravings and Relapse Risk
In serious cases, doctors might insert a nasogastric tube, which goes through your nose into your stomach. Liquid nutrition what is alcoholism can be delivered this way, letting your system rest while still getting the calories you need. You’ll stay in the hospital until you can hold down regular meals and your vomiting subsides. People with this syndrome will cycle in and out of poor health if they keep using marijuana. Quitting all marijuana use is the best way to stop the problem.
How Common is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?
The ECS includes ligands, receptors, signaling pathways, and enzymes acting as regulators and inhibitors. This includes cannabinoids like AEA and 2-AG, their synthesizing and degrading enzymes, and receptors CB1 and CB2, which are crucial for understanding Cannabis’s biphasic effects 27. However, chronic cannabis use may lead to CHS demonstrating its complex dual effects 10,20. The effects of cannabis and its interactions on the various organ systems were elucidated further with the discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) 1. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Long-term marijuana use, typically spanning 10 to 12 years or more, is the biggest risk factor for developing CHS. This variance suggests that a range of elements, including individual biology, metabolism, and genetics, can play a role. The rise in cannabis legalization could also mean more people have ready access to stronger strains. Since high-potency cannabis can pack a more powerful effect on the body, it’s possible that even fewer years of use could lead to CHS in some cases.
If you have CHS and struggle to quit, seek help for cannabis use disorder. This might include counseling, support groups, or rehab programs. “Common anti-nausea medications don’t work for these attacks, which can cause dehydration and can seriously affect your health.” The good news is the recovery process from CHS begins when cannabis use ceases, but it’s not an overnight cure.
Daily, long-term cannabis users — especially those using high-THC concentrates. While the https://ecosoberhouse.com/ condition has only been formally recognized in the last two decades, reports suggest that CHS is becoming more common as cannabis potency and use frequency rise. Cannabis has long been celebrated for its therapeutic and recreational benefits. Millions of people use it to ease stress, improve sleep, reduce chronic pain, or simply to relax. Hey California and Oregon friends—science is shedding light on CHS, a condition linked to long-term heavy cannabis use. In calling the helpline you agree to our Terms and Conditions.

