Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome CHS: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

The exact mechanisms underlying hyperemesis syndrome in CHS are not fully understood. However, it is believed to be related to the prolonged and high-dose use of cannabis. This extensive use can lead to changes in the body’s natural control of nausea and vomiting, possibly due to the overstimulation of cannabinoid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, individuals with CHS may find themselves caught in a cycle of severe vomiting and nausea, which can only be alleviated by discontinuing cannabis use. CHS is marked by persistent vomiting and ongoing abdominal pain, primarily affecting long-term, daily cannabis users.

3. Clinical Presentation

For example, THC has two main metab­olites (11-hydroxy-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol or 11-OH- THC and 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC-COOH) but it also has over 100 minor metabolites 40. 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. CBG is not psychotropic and acts as an antagonist at both CB1 and serotonin receptors 46.

cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (chs)

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  • This stage typically lasts about 24 to 48 hours but can extend longer, especially if you continue using marijuana.
  • Contact Greater Boston Addiction Centers today to learn more about our Addiction Treatment Programs, Substance Abuse Treatment Center, and Marijuana Addiction Treatment Program.
  • In 2016, the Rome IV criteria, currently the most widely used for diagnosing CHS, were established.
  • Some reports note that CHS tends to appear more often in people who used cannabis heavily during their teen years.
  • This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of current global knowledge on CHS in adolescents, including its epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and management.

In a case study of a 13-year-old girl who was treated with pantoprazole for CVS, a urine test was positive for cannabinoids but a subsequent gas chromatography-mass spectrometry test returned negative 76. If you are worried about your marijuana use, it’s time to reach out for help. We can help you find the marijuana addiction program that fits your needs and begin your recovery journey today. Call us today at to learn about your treatment options and to take the first step onto the road to recovery. Initial symptoms are feeling sick to the Drug rehabilitation stomach, belly pain and the feeling like you may throw up.

How common is CHS, and is the number of patients with it climbing?

Now, 20 years later, cases of CHS have risen dramatically in areas with legal cannabis access, and researchers have learned a lot more about what CHS is, who is likely to get it, and how to get it to stop. Cannabis (marijuana) is a plant (scientific name is Cannabis sativa) that has more than 400 chemicals. THC is the psychoactive ingredient, while CBD does NOT have psychoactive properties. Discover the surprising foods and ingredients that can trigger CHS symptoms beyond the obvious culprits. Learn about hidden additives, preservatives, and unexpected trigger foods that many people with Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome overlook. Whether you’re just learning about CHS, dealing with symptoms, or looking for community support, we’re here to help guide your journey.

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Since marijuana resumption will cause CHS to return, patient education is important in order to prevent recurrence. Marijuana cessation relieves CHS, sometimes in a matter of hours or a couple of days. In a case study of a 26-year-old woman who suffered from CHS for years and had been using marijuana nonmedically for 11 years, symptoms resolved in the relatively long period of 3 weeks of cannabis abstinence 117. Most CHS patients discover the symptomatic relief of hot showers on their own and use this method to control symptoms 1.

Diagnosis

These symptoms can be severe and difficult to manage, seriously impacting someone’s quality of life and ability to function. Since these symptoms can cause dehydration, in rare uncontrolled cases it can even lead to death from kidney failure. Primarily for their significant dopamine antagonism effects in the chemoreceptor trigger zone. The biggest risk factor for developing CHS is long-term marijuana use cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (chs) (typically 10 to 12 years). In addition, it is more common in men and in those who’ve been using cannabis since their adolescent years.

cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (chs)

Be part of the progress by supporting the HER Foundation and helping us raise the voice of mothers around the world! According https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to the analysis, CHS cases rose from 4.4 per 100,000 visits to a peak of 33.1 in the second quarter of 2020, then stabilized around 22.3 by the end of 2022. In other words, ER visits compatible with CHS became roughly seven times more common over the study period. Some people may feel better with cream (capsaicin) applied to the stomach area.

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