Agronomy Operations Intern Office of Internships & Career Development Berea College
While these are similar conditions symptomatically, they have very different root causes. CVS is actually a type of migraine condition that usually appears during infancy or childhood and develops into more classic migraine symptoms later on. Studies on CHS on the other hand have found the average age of onset to be 32 years old, and does not seem to be related to migraine. what is chs This means that getting diagnosed could be key to preventing other health risks for this vulnerable population.
What is CHS? Maryland doctor explains an illness linked to chronic marijuana use.
He was diagnosed with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) and admitted for further management. Both cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) and cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) cause people to feel sick to the stomach and throw up at times, while feeling normal at other times. This is more common in men than women and usually starts around 35 years old. These two conditions are hard to distinguish between and the main difference is CHS happens with using a lot of marijuana. CHS is not permanent in the sense that most people will recover from symptoms once they stop consuming cannabis products.
Prodromal Phase

When cannabinoids bind with brain receptors, they tend to prevent nausea and vomiting. Marijuana has a lot of active chemical compounds called cannabinoids. 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. If you need help quitting, speak to a healthcare provider or connect with your local addiction treatment services.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) and the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) in Adults
CHS is a cooperative, which means it’s governed by the farmers and local cooperatives that own it. Our owners have elected 17 full-time farmers or ranchers to serve on the CHS Board of Directors, representing eight regions from across the country. The number of directors representing each region is determined by business volume and the number of farmers, ranchers and cooperatives in the area. The Amissville farm, which used to be in Culpeper, is feeling the support from its community in the wake of the tragedy.
Hot Showers As a Temporary Relief
The intensity often leads individuals to seek medical care, where CHS may finally be diagnosed. Researchers are still exploring why cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome Halfway house (CHS) occurs. One theory suggests that long-term cannabis use disrupts the body’s digestive balance, leading to nausea and vomiting. As cannabis use becomes more widespread, more people are beginning to report these unusual symptoms. Connecting with a knowledgeable healthcare provider is crucial for recovery. This step is especially important for those experiencing typical symptoms and searching for answers.
Cannabis Detox & Addiction: The Ultimate Guide With Everything You Should Know
In some cases, long-term cannabis addiction can heighten the risk of CHS and its complications. The full effects of chronic cannabis use on the digestive system and brain are still being studied, but frequent users should be aware of CHS as a potential https://ecosoberhouse.com/ consequence. Long-term cannabis use can have unexpected effects on the body, especially on the endocannabinoid system, which regulates functions like mood, digestion, and pain. For some people, continuous cannabis exposure may disrupt this balance, leading to the symptoms seen in CHS.
Instead of alleviating nausea, cannabis may end up causing cycles of severe vomiting and discomfort. One 2018 study found that 32.9% of self-reported frequent marijuana users who’d gone to the emergency room (ER) had symptoms of CHS. And a 2022 Canadian study found that ER visits for CHS-related problems had increased 13-fold between 2014 and 2021. (Recreational use and sale of cannabis in Canada was legalized starting in 2018). It’s not clear what percentage of all heavy marijuana users have experienced CHS.
- The first reports came from doctors treating regular users of marijuana for nausea and vomiting in South Australia.
- Many cases remain underdiagnosed because patients often visit the emergency department without disclosing their substance use.
- He says a cheek-swab test, similar to the kind used in at-home DNA testing, could eventually help detect these mutations.
The table below outlines why it’s so easy to confuse CHS with other conditions and how to spot the difference. However, those with a cannabis addiction or dependency may find it hard to stop using marijuana, and may require dedicated support to overcome the addiction and improve their health and wellbeing. Treatments can range from therapy and counseling to behavioral interventions depending on the needs of individual patients. If your symptoms eventually disappear — and only return when you consume THC — it could very well be CHS. Inform your healthcare provider of any cannabis consumption to help with your diagnosis. After years of heavy consumption, CHS sufferers suddenly begin feeling sick.

- Diagnosing CHS often involves recognizing the link between symptoms and heavy cannabis use.
- When Dr. Deepa Camenga began her career about 20 years ago, she rarely if ever saw pediatric patients with CHS, she said.
- A 2004 study found a correlation between cannabis use and a cyclical vomiting illness.
- CHS can be easily missed or mistaken for other disorders, leading to unnecessary suffering.
- Even small amounts of THC should be avoided, as the threshold for what may trigger a flare-up is not yet known.
Some of those hospital visits are related to a severe condition that develops after using high concentrations of cannabinoids over a long time, called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). This illness poses potential health risks with the quickly changing drug. The effectiveness of these agents is limited, which is also a clue for the diagnosis of CHS. If traditional agents fail in controlling the symptoms, haloperidol can be tried, but it has been used with limited success. Our patient did not respond to traditional antiemetics, but responded well to a small dose of lorazepam.
Cannabinoids and the Digestive System
Anti-nausea medications may offer temporary relief from CHS symptoms. Although challenging, especially for those with cannabis addiction, abstaining is the only proven way to prevent symptom recurrence.Professional support is essential for those struggling to quit. Cannabis addiction treatment, counselling, and support groups can ease the process.
People with CHS often find temporary relief from these symptoms by taking hot baths and showers. Additional symptoms include other gastrointestinal upset, anxiety, depression, food and odor sensitivities. Depending on the severity of one’s case, they may become dehydrated (some dangerously so), develop a fear of vomiting, weight loss, chills, constipation, diarrhea and burping.