Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) Linked to Chronic Marijuana Use

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) Linked to Chronic Marijuana Use

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is an illness associated with long-term, heavy marijuana use. Cases of CHS appear to be on the rise, as chronic marijuana users increasingly report experiencing severe symptoms, landing many in emergency rooms. This phenomenon coincides with the broader wave of cannabis legalisation across the United States, including in Maryland, where recreational marijuana was made legal for adults on July 1, 2023.

Rising Emergency Room Visits

According to the Maryland Department of Public Health, cannabis-related visits to emergency rooms increased significantly in just one year, climbing by 53% between 2022 and 2023. Among these cases, a notable number involved patients suffering from CHS, a condition first medically described in 2004. The syndrome is traditionally triggered by using high concentrations of cannabinoids over extended periods.

The Maryland Department of Health has introduced a public health data dashboard to monitor cannabis-related trends. This dashboard reveals that emergency rooms in the state are registering more than 800 cannabis-related visits each month. Cases of CHS, marked by recurrent vomiting and other severe symptoms, form a significant portion of these visits.

Symptoms and Experiences of CHS

CHS presents itself through various debilitating symptoms. Reports document sufferers experiencing persistent nausea, severe stomach pains, and violent episodes of vomiting. Some individuals also suffer from migraines and diarrhoea.

One TikTok user detailed their recurring bouts, describing how they went through repeated cycles of “vomit-shower-sleep.” Similarly, Ron Buckley, a longtime cannabis user, shared how he suffered from uncontrollable vomiting and a complete inability to retain food or water. His condition was so severe that he lost 30 pounds within two weeks and had difficulty staying upright, even falling out of a wheelchair in one instance.

Initially misdiagnosed at multiple medical facilities, Buckley finally received a CHS diagnosis from an emergency room nurse who linked his symptoms to his elevated THC levels. Despite 20 years of cannabis usage without any prior complications, Buckley noted the abrupt onset of these extreme and life-changing symptoms.

Challenges in Diagnosis

Diagnosing CHS remains a challenge for healthcare providers. Emergency room physician Dr. Chris Wilbert from MedStar Health notes that the condition is often misdiagnosed or overlooked. Many patients struggle to accept that cannabis, often perceived as a therapeutic agent, could be the root cause of their symptoms. This misperception is compounded by a lack of definitive diagnostic tools specifically designed to identify CHS.

Dr. Wilbert points out that misconceptions around marijuana’s supposed healing qualities often lead patients to be sceptical about the diagnosis of CHS. He described how some patients arrive at emergency rooms with symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and severe discomfort but are unaware of the potential link to their chronic marijuana use.

Growing Awareness

Despite the challenges, anecdotal evidence from medical professionals suggests a growing awareness and prevalence of CHS cases. Dr. Wilbert noted an increase in patients presenting with symptoms consistent with the syndrome. These symptoms tend to follow a recognisable pattern, including nausea, dizziness, and abdominal issues that are often traced back to chronic cannabis consumption.

Patients, including Buckley, have also pointed out that today’s marijuana differs significantly from that of earlier decades. With higher concentrations of THC now available in legal markets, the potential for adverse effects has seemingly escalated.

The Maryland Department of Health’s new dashboard highlights this trend. It provides critical insights into the effects of legalised cannabis and its associated hazards, offering data on emergency room visits and other cannabis-related issues.

Coping with Symptoms

Medical advice for managing CHS typically emphasises symptom relief. Hot showers, commonly reported by sufferers, can provide temporary relief during episodes of vomiting and stomach pain. Dr. Wilbert also stresses the importance of hydration to counter the dehydrating effects of repeated vomiting.

However, many CHS patients like Buckley have had to grapple with the realisation that their longtime marijuana use, a substance they believed to be beneficial or neutral, has turned into the source of severe health issues.

Source: CBS News

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