Emergency departments across the United States are seeing a sharp increase in patients suffering from a debilitating condition linked to frequent marijuana use, according to a new federal report. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released data on Thursday showing that hospital visits for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)—a disorder characterized by severe, cyclical episodes of nausea and vomiting—have climbed significantly since the condition received its own diagnostic code in October.
The report, published in the agency's morbidity and mortality weekly report, found that the rate of CHS-related emergency room visits jumped 16 percent between October and May, following the introduction of the new code. Researchers identified nearly 200,000 such visits between January 2023 and May 2026. The CDC notes that the abrupt increase likely reflects improved recognition and documentation by clinicians rather than a sudden surge in actual cases, but the numbers still underscore a growing public health concern.
"The abruptness and sustained magnitude of the increase likely reflects, at least in part, improved clinical recognition and coding of CHS rather than a true and immediate rise in incidence," the authors wrote. Prior to the coding change, doctors had to use a combination of vomiting and cannabis-related codes, which often led to misclassification or missed diagnoses.
The condition is strongly associated with habitual, long-term marijuana use, and its prevalence has been rising as more states legalize recreational cannabis. An estimated 2.75 million Americans suffer from CHS annually, according to past research. The new CDC data shows that younger individuals are disproportionately affected: those aged 15 to 24 had the highest rate of CHS-related ER visits, at 38.7 per 10,000 visits, followed by those aged 25 to 34.
Health officials point to several factors that may explain the higher rates among younger patients, including earlier exposure to marijuana and the use of more potent forms such as vaping and dabbing. The agency is calling for greater awareness among healthcare providers and the public, as well as additional research into the role of high-THC products and hemp-derived cannabinoids.
The findings come amid ongoing policy debates over marijuana regulation. The CDC's push for more research aligns with broader discussions about reclassifying marijuana under federal law, a process that has seen hearings before the Drug Enforcement Administration but has drawn criticism from advocates who say the process is too slow. Meanwhile, recent legal rulings have extended certain rights to marijuana users, complicating the regulatory landscape.
"Monitoring trends across demographic groups and geographic areas can help identify populations at greatest risk and guide tailored prevention and intervention strategies," the researchers added. They urged clinicians to consider CHS in patients with recurrent unexplained vomiting and a history of frequent cannabis use, and to counsel patients on the potential harms of chronic consumption.
As marijuana becomes more mainstream, the CDC's report serves as a reminder that the drug is not without medical risks. For policymakers, the data could fuel arguments for more stringent labeling, public education campaigns, and further study into the long-term health effects of high-potency cannabis products.
