Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a severe condition linked to prolonged and high-dose marijuana use, is driving a rise in emergency room visits in Maryland. Official data reveals a 53% increase in cannabis-related hospitalisations between 2022 and 2023, following the legalisation of recreational marijuana in July 2023. CHS, first identified in 2004, presents alarming symptoms such as uncontrollable vomiting, severe stomach pain, nausea, and ongoing migraines.

Patients often face delayed diagnoses due to misconceptions surrounding cannabis as a harmless or therapeutic substance. Many sufferers, like Ron Buckley, experience debilitating symptoms while unaware of the root cause. Describing his struggle, Buckley recalled repeated episodes of vomiting, rapid weight loss, and eventual diagnosis after two weeks of worsening health. Emergency physicians, such as Dr Chris Wilbert of MedStar Health, note the condition is increasingly prevalent but often overlooked, partly due to the lack of awareness and diagnostic tools.

Medical experts warn that the nature of today’s high-THC cannabis forms a stark contrast to older, less potent varieties of the drug. Frequent and prolonged use can provoke CHS, a condition paradoxically caused by the substance many use for supposed relief. While temporary measures such as hydration and hot showers may help manage symptoms, the root issue lies in the consistent use of high-dosage cannabis.

This worrying trend is further evident in Maryland’s newly launched cannabis data dashboard, which tracks the drug’s public health impact. The state has recorded over 800 cannabis-related ER visits monthly, underscoring the rapidly escalating problem. Experts emphasise the need for increased awareness and caution regarding cannabis use, urging individuals to recognise its harmful potential before irreparable damage occurs.

Source: CBS News