Cannabis is widely used for medical and recreational purposes, often praised for its ability to reduce nausea, anxiety, and chronic pain. However, long-term and heavy cannabis use can lead to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)—a condition that paradoxically causes severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
CHS is frequently misdiagnosed, leaving individuals suffering for months or even years before recognizing cannabis as the root cause of their symptoms. While hot showers may provide temporary relief, the only permanent solution is quitting cannabis entirely.
At New Heights Recovery, we offer comprehensive support through our Addiction Program, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Substance Abuse Treatment for individuals struggling with CHS and cannabis dependency. This guide will help you understand what CHS is, why it happens, and how to treat it effectively.
What Is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)?
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a rare but serious condition affecting long-term, frequent cannabis users. It is characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and repeated emergency room visits.
While cannabis is often used as a treatment for nausea, prolonged exposure to THC can disrupt the body’s endocannabinoid system, leading to the very symptoms cannabis is often used to treat.
Who Is at Risk for CHS?
- Individuals who have been using cannabis daily or nearly daily for several years
- Those who use high-potency cannabis products such as edibles, dabs, or concentrates
- People who experience chronic nausea or vomiting without another clear medical cause
- Cannabis users who notice that hot showers provide temporary relief from nausea
If these factors apply to you or a loved one, CHS may be the underlying cause of your symptoms.
What Causes CHS?
The exact cause of CHS is not fully understood, but researchers believe that it results from chronic overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a complex network of receptors that regulates mood, digestion, and pain response.
Potential Causes of CHS:
- THC Overload on the Brain and Digestive System:
- Long-term cannabis use may desensitize cannabinoid receptors, leading to irregular digestive function.
- THC affects the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls nausea and body temperature, explaining why hot showers provide temporary relief.
- Delayed Gastric Emptying:
- Cannabis slows digestion, leading to buildup of food in the stomach, triggering vomiting and pain.
- THC’s Impact on the Nervous System:
- THC may interfere with the body’s ability to control vomiting reflexes, leading to persistent nausea and discomfort.
Since not all long-term cannabis users develop CHS, individual factors such as genetics, metabolism, and THC potency may play a role in determining who is at risk.
The Three Stages of CHS
1. Prodromal Stage (Early Warning Signs)
This stage can last months or even years before full-blown symptoms develop. Many individuals increase their cannabis use in an attempt to relieve nausea, unknowingly worsening the condition.
Symptoms:
- Mild nausea, especially in the morning
- Sensitivity to certain foods
- Anxiety related to stomach discomfort
- Increased cannabis use to try to manage nausea
2. Hyperemetic Stage (Severe Symptoms)
This is the most debilitating stage, often leading to emergency medical visits due to extreme vomiting and dehydration.
Symptoms:
- Severe, persistent nausea and vomiting
- Intense stomach pain
- Dehydration, dizziness, and weakness
- Weight loss and malnutrition
- Compulsive hot showers or baths (due to THC’s effect on body temperature regulation)
Many individuals remain in this stage indefinitely unless they completely stop using cannabis.
3. Recovery Stage (After Stopping Cannabis Use)
Once cannabis use is stopped, symptoms gradually disappear within days to weeks.
Symptoms Improve With:
- Hydration and electrolyte replacement
- Balanced diet and proper nutrition
- Complete avoidance of cannabis
Most individuals fully recover if they permanently stop cannabis use, but relapse can trigger a return of symptoms.
How Is CHS Diagnosed?
Since CHS mimics many other conditions, doctors often misdiagnose it as cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), gallbladder disease, or gastrointestinal disorders.
Steps in Diagnosing CHS:
- Medical History Review:
- Doctors assess long-term cannabis use and frequency of nausea episodes.
- Symptom Evaluation:
- Recurring vomiting, weight loss, and relief from hot showers are key CHS indicators.
- Excluding Other Conditions:
- Tests such as blood work, imaging scans, and endoscopy are performed to rule out other causes.
If symptoms disappear after stopping cannabis, CHS is the likely cause.
Treatment for CHS: How to Recover
1. Immediate Treatment for Severe CHS Episodes
For individuals experiencing an acute CHS episode, medical intervention may be necessary.
- IV Fluids for Dehydration: Severe vomiting can cause electrolyte imbalances.
- Anti-Nausea Medications: Drugs like ondansetron (Zofran) may provide temporary relief.
- Pain Management: Stomach pain can be treated with non-THC-based medications.
2. The Only Long-Term Cure: Quitting Cannabis
The only way to fully recover from CHS is to stop cannabis use completely. Symptoms often resolve within 7-10 days after stopping, though full recovery can take weeks or months.
3. Addiction Treatment for Cannabis Dependence
For individuals struggling to quit cannabis, professional treatment is highly recommended.
At New Heights Recovery, we offer:
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP):
- Structured daily treatment with therapy, medical support, and relapse prevention.
- Ideal for individuals experiencing severe CHS symptoms or cannabis dependence.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP):
- Flexible therapy sessions for individuals transitioning from inpatient care.
- Addresses cannabis addiction, stress management, and coping strategies.
Substance Abuse Treatment:
- Personalized recovery plans for individuals struggling with cannabis dependence.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to address addiction-related behaviors.
Mental Health Treatment:
- Dual-diagnosis care for individuals with co-occurring anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Therapy and medication management for comprehensive healing.
Preventing CHS: Understanding the Risks of Chronic Cannabis Use
With cannabis becoming more potent and widely available, CHS cases are on the rise. While not everyone develops CHS, long-term, heavy cannabis use significantly increases the risk.
How to Lower CHS Risk:
- Limit cannabis use and avoid daily consumption.
- Be mindful of high-THC products (edibles, concentrates, dabs).
- Seek professional help if quitting cannabis feels difficult.
Get Help for CHS and Cannabis Dependence at New Heights Recovery
CHS is a serious but treatable condition. If you or a loved one is struggling with cannabis dependence and CHS symptoms, professional help can provide the support needed to recover.
At New Heights Recovery, we offer comprehensive addiction treatment, medical detox, and mental health care to help individuals overcome CHS and cannabis dependence. Call New Heights Recovery at (614) 858-8826 today to start your recovery journey.
FAQs on
What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)?
CHS is a condition that causes severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in long-term cannabis users. It is paradoxical, as cannabis is often used to treat nausea, but chronic use can lead to this disorder.
Who is at risk for CHS?
People who use cannabis daily or heavily for several years, particularly those who consume high-potency THC products, are at a higher risk.
What are the main symptoms of CHS?
- Severe nausea and repeated vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration and weight loss
- Temporary relief from symptoms after taking hot showers or baths
How long does CHS last?
The hyperemetic (severe vomiting) stage can last days to weeks, but symptoms disappear once cannabis use stops.
How is CHS different from food poisoning or stomach flu?
CHS is chronic and recurrent, occurring in long-term cannabis users, whereas food poisoning and stomach flu resolve within 24-72 hours and are unrelated to cannabis use.
Can CHS be cured?
Yes, completely stopping cannabis use is the only proven cure. Symptoms typically resolve within a few days to weeks after quitting.
Why do hot showers help relieve CHS symptoms?
CHS affects the body’s temperature regulation system. Hot showers may provide temporary relief by counteracting the effects of THC on the hypothalamus.
How is CHS treated?
Treatment focuses on hydration, electrolyte replacement, anti-nausea medications, and completely stopping cannabis use. For cannabis dependence, professional addiction treatment may be necessary.
