A friend recently shared her struggles with anxiety after a long day at work. Once she gets home, prepares dinner, and puts her two young children to bed, she finds herself fretting over the tasks she didn’t complete. Living in California, where recreational cannabis is legal, I suggested she unwind with a few puffs after the kids are asleep.
“I can’t,” she replied. “That stuff makes me feel sick.” She explained that every time she has tried marijuana, it led to feelings of queasiness, which is hardly the relaxation she was seeking. Just as some individuals are intolerant to dairy or gluten, it turns out that some people can be intolerant to cannabis as well.
Recent research from experts at New York University Langone Medical Center has identified a serious condition known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), which can affect heavy marijuana users. This syndrome is characterized by severe nausea, stomach pain, and relentless vomiting – a major buzzkill, especially since cannabis is often used to alleviate nausea.
With the legality of recreational cannabis in nine states and the District of Columbia, more individuals are turning to it for stress relief and enjoyment. Moreover, in 29 states, medical marijuana offers relief for chronic conditions, including pain management and anxiety alleviation. Sounds like a miracle, right? Unfortunately, for those afflicted with CHS, the experience can be quite the opposite.
A 2004 study highlighted the experience of a patient who endured frequent nausea and excruciating vomiting for nine years. The only remedy that brought her comfort was taking hot baths, though her desperation led her to burn herself multiple times before seeking hospital care. Eventually, she was diagnosed with CHS. Initially considered rare, researchers are now finding that this syndrome may affect more people than previously recognized.
A recent study published in Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology involved thousands of adults in a New York City emergency room. Among those who used marijuana 20 or more days a month, researchers focused on 155 individuals who smoked nearly every day for over five years. Alarmingly, 32.9 percent exhibited symptoms of CHS. Joseph Habboushe, an assistant professor at NYU Langone and lead author of the study, expressed surprise at this number. When extrapolated to the broader U.S. population, it’s estimated that around 2.75 million adults could be affected by this condition.
This raises a critical question: why has Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome gone largely unrecognized until now? Despite cannabis use being prevalent for decades, the medical community has lagged in studying its potential adverse effects, primarily due to the federal government’s classification of marijuana as a Schedule 1 substance. This classification makes it risky for researchers to explore the drug’s impacts on human health.
Currently, those suffering from CHS have a singular treatment option: cease cannabis use. While hot baths may provide temporary relief, they can also lead to dangerous situations, as illustrated by the woman who ended up hospitalized. Habboushe notes, “As far as we know, there are no effective treatments. Most anti-nausea medications don’t help. The only solution is to stop using cannabis.” Many patients may find that their symptoms improve after a few days of abstaining, but they often relapse and experience the return of their discomfort.
Clearly, more research is needed to fully understand CHS and why it affects certain individuals while sparing others. The specific cannabis compounds that may trigger CHS or the influence of different strains remain unclear. For those who believe in the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, it’s important to recognize that it can have adverse effects for some users. Identifying these side effects and developing effective treatments will be crucial in helping individuals enjoy the benefits of cannabis while minimizing potential harm. Until then, if you’re feeling sick after using cannabis, it’s wise to take a break and avoid excessively hot baths, no matter how soothing they may feel.
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In summary, while cannabis has gained popularity for its therapeutic properties, it can also lead to adverse effects like Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome for some users. Understanding this condition and its implications is essential for ensuring safe and beneficial cannabis use.