Ceasing and abstaining from the use of cannabis is the only https://ecosoberhouse.com/ treatment that relieves and prevents symptoms of CHS, according to a systematic review on CHS management. THC and other chemicals in cannabis also bind to molecules in your digestive tract. These chemicals can change the time it takes your stomach to empty food. CHS is a newly identified condition, so doctors currently know little about it. No clinical guidelines exist, so they must rely on published case reports to treat people with CHS.

Who is at Risk for Developing Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)?

Unlike alcohol and tobacco, which have well-established health warnings and regulations, cannabis products are not universally required to include health warnings or educational materials. Public health policies could include mandatory inclusion of warnings on cannabis product labels about the potential for CHS, especially for frequent users, and guidance on safe consumption. Additionally, policies could focus on tracking and reporting cannabis-related health complications to better understand the full scope of CHS and its impact on public health. Although laboratory examinations and advanced imaging studies (e.g., CT scans, ultrasounds) are often negative, they play a crucial role in ruling out other conditions. The lack of significant diagnostic findings in CHS patients underscores the importance of a thorough patient history and clinical suspicion.

What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)?

Contact Greater Boston Addiction Centers today to learn more about our Addiction Treatment Programs, Substance Abuse Treatment Center, and Marijuana Addiction Treatment Program. We are dedicated to helping you break free from addiction and lead a healthier, drug-free life. She is a communications expert working with Dr. Green Relief, specializing in creating engaging content that promotes holistic health and well-being. Olivia is interested in the intersection of mental health, mindfulness, and alternative therapies, which she explores through her writing. If you suspect CHS or need guidance, feel free to contact us for support and treatment options. Treating Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing their return.

• She is a communications expert working with Dr. Green Relief, specializing in creating engaging content that promotes holistic health and well-being.
• Compulsive bathing or showering in hot water to soothe nausea is also a hallmark sign of CHS.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy can also help.
• Frequent symptoms like nausea and vomiting cause dehydration, fatigue, and weight loss, making it hard to perform everyday tasks or enjoy social activities.
• Many researchers feel that CHS is underrecognized and underdiagnosed.
• People with CHS also tend to have a strong urge to take very hot showers or baths.

Studies focused on individuals diagnosed with CHS, as well as those with comparable conditions like CVS, were selected. Emphasis was placed on studies that reported on demographic information, symptom patterns, diagnostic criteria, and treatments. Until the past decade, marijuana, specifically THC, had been largely illegal to possess and use, and its legalization has prompted new medical insights into its effects, both positive and negative. The use of marijuana has surged significantly in recent years, fueled by legalization efforts and increasing societal acceptance.

Cannabis and Digestive Health

Among these cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most well-known for its ability to induce euphoria, alter perception, and stimulate appetite. Cannabidiol (CBD), another major cannabinoid, has gained attention for its potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective effects 1. In one 2018 study, a group of researchers surveyed 2,127 U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 49 at an emergency department in New York. Of those surveyed, 155 met the criteria of smoking cannabis at least 20 days per month. As CHS is a relatively recently recognized and studied phenomenon easily confused with other diseases, there is a paucity of sizeable randomized control studies.

• Other cannabinoids, such as CBD and cannabigerol (CBG), may also contribute to the development of CHS.
• Many people with CHS go to their doctor or an emergency room (ER) for treatment.
• The only way to stop CHS and its symptoms is to completely quit using cannabis.
• These usually happen for 3 to 4 days but can last as long as 1 week in bad cases.
• A 2011 study in Neurogastroenterology & Motility found THC reduced vomiting in animals by targeting brainstem CB1 receptors (Parker et al., 2011).

Researchers have identified two receptors called CB1 and CB2 to which marijuana molecules attach. Receptors are specialized cells that respond to specific stimuli or changes in the environment. Articles published in English were included to maintain consistency and ensure accessibility of the studies. Non-English publications were excluded unless an English abstract was available. It’s thought that genetics may play a role because only a small number of people who regularly use cannabis develop CHS. Some may be finding that there can be very real — and serious — complications that come with cannabis use.

• However, CHS presents a unique challenge for regular cannabis users, and understanding this syndrome is crucial for recognizing its signs and seeking proper treatment.
• As research progresses, careful consideration will be needed to balance therapeutic benefits with the potential for harmful side effects, particularly for vulnerable populations.
• Our Drug Rehab Boston center offers specialized treatment for those struggling with marijuana addiction and CHS.
• Over time, these receptors may become overactive, leading to the severe nausea and vomiting experienced by people with CHS.

Most resources and recommendations come from case studies and expert opinions. In addition to appropriate antiemetic therapy, fluid resuscitation, and management of the patient's symptoms, patients must recognize behaviors and exposures that place them at risk for their pathology. For supportive care, a clinician should work together with the pharmacist to see if any medications could contribute to the patient's presentation. If administering antiemetics, the nursing staff should be familiar with the adverse event profile so they can report any concerns that may arise. Indeed, with any syndrome that results in frequent vomiting, there is a concern for a disorder of electrolytes and fluid balance in the body. Patients who fail to respond to antiemetic therapy are at high risk for dehydration and resulting in nutritional deficiencies.

Treatment of CHS typically occurs during the hyperemetic phase, which often requires hospitalization due to the severity of symptoms. In this phase, patients frequently experience intractable nausea and vomiting that is unresponsive to conventional antiemetic medications 33. As noted earlier, hot baths or showers provide temporary relief for many patients. Warm stimulation is hypothesized to transiently activate transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) in the hypothalamus which would otherwise be downregulated by chronic cannabis use 34. However, it is essential healthcare providers also address the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, as these conditions are common in CHS patients and may lead to acute renal failure 27,35.

After you quit, you may still have symptoms and side effects for a few days to a few weeks. If you have symptoms, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask for your detailed medical history. Let your doctor know how much marijuana you use and how often you use it. The only proven way to prevent cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is to avoid cannabis (marijuana). Hot drug addiction baths may relieve the nausea for a while, but they don’t cure CHS. Taking too many hot baths can increase dehydration due to sweating.

With these new products, hospitals saw influxes of CHS, and researchers called for more public health guidance and education for providers. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a somewhat rare problem that involves severe bouts of vomiting. It is more common among those who use cannabis daily for years. As more states make recreational use of cannabis legal, it is thought that this problem will become more common.