A friend recently confided in me about her end-of-day anxiety. After juggling work, dinner prep, and her two little ones, she finds herself stressed over unfinished tasks. Living in California, where recreational cannabis is now permissible, I suggested she unwind with a puff or two after putting the kids to bed. “I can’t,” she replied. “That stuff makes me sick to my stomach.”
According to her, every attempt at marijuana has left her feeling nauseous — hardly the relaxation she was seeking. Just like some folks can’t handle dairy or gluten, it turns out you can also be intolerant to cannabis.
A recent study from doctors at New York University Langone Medical Center has brought attention to a serious condition known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). This unfortunate reaction results in nausea, abdominal pain, and intense vomiting. What a letdown, especially since cannabis is touted for its potential to alleviate nausea.
With recreational use legalized in nine states and Washington, D.C., more individuals are turning to cannabis for stress relief and enjoyment. Medical marijuana is also available in 29 states to help with chronic pain, nausea, appetite issues, and anxiety. Sounds like a dream, right? Unfortunately, for those with CHS, it feels more like a nightmare.
An article in Business Insider detailed a patient from a 2004 study who faced sudden nausea, severe vomiting, and stomach pain for nearly a decade. Her only relief came from taking hot baths — often scalding enough to cause burns, leading to multiple hospital visits. Eventually, she was diagnosed with CHS.
Initially thought to be rare, recent research suggests CHS is more prevalent than we realized. The latest study, published in Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, assessed thousands of adults in a New York City emergency room. Among heavy cannabis users—those smoking 20 or more days a month—over 32.9 percent showed signs of CHS. Joseph Habboushe, a lead researcher, was astonished by this high figure, estimating that around 2.75 million adults in the U.S. could be affected.
This raises an important question: Why has CHS not been recognized sooner? Cannabis use has been around for decades, even when illegal, yet the medical community has lagged in understanding its effects. The federal government’s classification of marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, along with substances like LSD and heroin, has hindered research.
For those suffering from CHS, the only effective remedy is to refrain from cannabis use. While hot baths might provide temporary comfort, as evidenced by the aforementioned patient, they can lead to worse outcomes. “As of now, there are no effective treatments for CHS. Most anti-nausea medications fall short,” Habboushe noted. “The only solution is to stop using cannabis altogether. Some patients will pause for a few days, and the symptoms will subside, but then they return to smoking and the issues flare up again.”
Clearly, we need more research to unravel CHS and its triggers. It’s also unclear which components of cannabis might lead to this syndrome or if certain strains exacerbate the condition.
For those who cherish cannabis for its soothing properties—whether for anxiety or pain relief—don’t lose hope. Every substance has the potential for negative side effects in some individuals. The challenge lies in identifying these reactions and finding solutions that allow users to enjoy the benefits of cannabis safely. Until then, if you find yourself feeling queasy after smoking, it’s best to take a break and definitely avoid those overly hot baths, no matter how soothing they seem.
For more insights into fertility and home insemination, check out this guide or learn about intracervical insemination kits that can assist in your journey. Additionally, Healthline offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, while cannabis can be beneficial for many, an unfortunate subset of users may experience CHS, leading to significant discomfort. Understanding this condition is crucial for those who enjoy cannabis, allowing them to navigate its effects safely.
Keyphrase: Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]