A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented a sharp increase in cases of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) across the United States, with a notable surge among adolescents and young adults—a trend that challenges earlier clinical assumptions about who is most affected.
CHS, first identified in Australia two decades ago, is a severe and sometimes debilitating condition triggered by chronic marijuana use. Sufferers experience recurrent episodes of uncontrollable vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and nausea, often so intense that it leads to what some medical professionals have dubbed “scromiting”—a portmanteau of screaming and vomiting, reflecting the extreme distress patients endure during episodes.
While hot showers or baths are frequently cited as the only temporary relief, the condition can have dire consequences. In rare instances, CHS has been fatal, according to health officials, underscoring the seriousness of the syndrome.
The CDC's findings, published this week, indicate that emergency department visits and hospitalizations linked to CHS have climbed steadily in recent years. The most striking increase was observed among individuals aged 12 to 25, a demographic historically not associated with the condition, which was previously thought to primarily affect long-term, heavy users in older age groups.
Dr. Emily Carter, an epidemiologist at the CDC and lead author of the report, noted that the shift may reflect broader changes in cannabis potency and consumption patterns. “We're seeing a younger population presenting with CHS, and this aligns with the rising THC concentrations in today's cannabis products,” she said. “It's a public health concern that warrants attention from clinicians and policymakers alike.”
The report also highlights a concerning overlap with the ongoing opioid crisis, as some patients have been prescribed opioids for pain management before a CHS diagnosis is confirmed. This has led to calls for better physician education on recognizing the syndrome, particularly in younger patients who may not disclose their cannabis use.
Advocates for cannabis reform argue that the findings underscore the need for regulated dosing and clearer labeling of THC content. “We cannot ignore the data,” said Marcus Reed, a policy analyst with the National Cannabis Industry Association. “This is a call for responsible use and informed regulation, not a return to prohibition.”
Meanwhile, some states have begun to incorporate CHS warnings into their public health campaigns. In Colorado, where recreational cannabis has been legal since 2014, health officials have launched an awareness initiative targeting young adults, emphasizing the risks of high-potency products.
The CDC report comes amid a broader federal review of cannabis scheduling, with the Drug Enforcement Administration expected to make a decision on rescheduling later this year. Some lawmakers have pointed to the CHS data as evidence that more research is needed on the health impacts of marijuana, particularly as legalization expands. Tracking gaps in other disease outbreaks have previously highlighted the importance of robust surveillance, a lesson that may apply here.
For now, clinicians are urged to ask young patients about cannabis use when they present with unexplained vomiting. As Dr. Carter emphasized, “Early recognition is key to preventing severe complications and improving outcomes.”
