Medical professionals are raising alarms over a troubling new consequence of cannabis use: a condition so severe it has earned the nickname “scromiting,” a blend of screaming and vomiting. Although the term may sound humorous, the reality is frightening, as cases are increasingly filling emergency rooms with patients suffering extreme nausea, relentless vomiting, and debilitating abdominal pain.
Over the past decade, hospitals nationwide have reported a significant rise in incidents related to Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a disorder that can leave users doubled over with stomach pain multiple times a year.
“A person often will have multiple [emergency department] visits until it is correctly recognized, costing thousands of dollars each time,” explains Dr. Beatriz Carlini, research associate professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Symptoms So Severe They Scream
CHS typically manifests within 24 hours of cannabis consumption and can persist for days. The severity of the vomiting is so pronounced that patients often scream during episodes, inspiring the term “scromiting.”
Emergency medicine specialist Dr. Chris Buresh describes the challenges of treating the condition: “There are currently no therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and standard anti-nausea medications often don’t work.”
Doctors sometimes employ unconventional remedies to provide relief. Hot showers or baths, topical capsaicin cream applied to the abdomen, and even Haldol—a drug usually reserved for psychotic conditions—have been used with varying success.
“That’s something that can clinch the diagnosis for me, when someone says they’re better with a hot shower,” Buresh notes. “Patients describe going through all the hot water in their house.”
Who Is at Risk?
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome does not vanish permanently unless cannabis use is completely stopped. Continuing to consume marijuana can trigger recurring attacks, making long-term recovery contingent on full abstinence—a challenge for individuals struggling with dependency.
“Because the syndrome strikes intermittently, some cannabis users assume a recent episode was unrelated and continue using—only to become severely ill again,” warns Dr. Carlini.
Researchers are still investigating why CHS develops in some users but not others. The prevailing theory suggests that overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system disrupts the body’s natural control over nausea and vomiting.
Dr. Buresh adds, “It seems like there’s a threshold when people can become vulnerable to this condition, and that threshold is different for everyone. Even using in small amounts can make these people start throwing up.”
Rising Cases Among Adolescents
A survey conducted by George Washington University, involving over 1,000 CHS patients, identified a strong link between early and prolonged cannabis use and ER visits for scromiting. Alarmingly, adolescent cases in the U.S. have increased more than tenfold from 2016 to 2023, with the fastest rises occurring in states where recreational cannabis remains illegal.
Interestingly, while overall CHS cases are more prevalent in states where cannabis is legal, younger users have experienced the most dramatic increases in areas where marijuana remains prohibited.
Official Recognition by the WHO
On October 1, 2025, the World Health Organization formally recognized Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome, assigning it an official diagnosis code. Dr. Carlini emphasizes the significance:
“A new code for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome will supply important hard evidence on cannabis-adverse events, which physicians tell us is a growing problem.”
With emergency room visits climbing and severe cases affecting both teenagers and adults, medical experts are urging cannabis users to be aware of CHS and its potentially debilitating symptoms. Early recognition, complete cessation of cannabis, and informed medical care remain the most effective strategies for managing this condition.