Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome on the Rise
A TikTok mom described her experiences with a pain she claimed surpassed that of childbirth. She spoke about severe, uncontrollable vomiting triggered by marijuana use, saying, “I was crying and screaming, begging God for it to stop!” This disturbing phenomenon has gained attention on social media and is known as “scromiting,” a term that reflects the combination of screaming and vomiting. Medically, it’s referred to as cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition that’s becoming increasingly common in the United States.
Individuals who regularly use cannabis, including teens, are presenting in emergency rooms with significant abdominal pain and nausea. Dr. Sam Wang, a specialist in pediatric emergency medicine at Children’s Hospital Colorado, noted, “They’re writhing in pain, holding their stomachs. It’s intense.” He added that patients often continue vomiting for hours and many have tried hot showers or baths to alleviate their discomfort before seeking emergency care.
The immediate response for those suffering from CHS involves administering anti-nausea medications and IV fluids for dehydration. Patients usually go through various tests to rule out other issues—these can include blood tests, urine tests, and imaging scans. Unfortunately, some patients find themselves returning to the emergency room multiple times with similar symptoms, which can be dangerous if left untreated.
A Curious Condition
CHS was first recognized in 2004 when Australian researchers observed 19 chronic cannabis users who experienced ongoing abdominal pain and vomiting. Upon stopping their cannabis use, many of the symptoms disappeared, only to resurface with renewed consumption. Interestingly, a majority of these patients reported finding relief through hot baths or showers, a self-treatment that became a common theme among CHS cases.
Dr. Wang mentioned that patients often express a need for very hot showers to alleviate their symptoms, although the reason for this is unclear. One theory suggests that the intense heat distracts from the pain experienced. Paradoxically, THC, the cannabis plant’s primary psychoactive component, has been known to help with nausea in cancer patients undergoing treatment, raising questions about how it can cause discomfort in some users.
There’s some confusion regarding why THC affects different people in different ways. It might have to do with usage levels or the potency of the cannabis. Dr. Wang noted that THC concentrations have risen significantly over the years, possibly contributing to increased cases of CHS.
Growing Issue
Data indicates that CHS is becoming a national issue. From 2005 to 2014, during a period when marijuana was mostly legalized for medical use, a study found that nearly 20% of individuals hospitalized for cyclical vomiting reported cannabis use. After Colorado legalized recreational marijuana, there was a sharp increase in cases of cannabis-related vomiting. A 2021 study highlighted a 29% rise in these reports shortly after legalization.
Moreover, a study published in 2025 revealed that emergency room visits among adolescents aged 13 to 21 for CHS skyrocketed by over ten times from 2016 to 2023. Another study pointed to a notable uptick in cases during the pandemic years among young adults.
However, researchers have faced challenges in tracking CHS due to the absence of specific diagnostic codes enabling objective analysis. This situation changed in October 2025 when a federal committee established a diagnosis code for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, allowing for more accurate research moving forward. Experts believe this will lead to improved understanding of this peculiar condition.
