For those who remember the early 2000s, cannabis was often viewed as a dangerous substance, heavily stigmatized and widely feared. Today, attitudes toward marijuana have shifted dramatically in many parts of the world. Public perception, especially in the United States, has softened considerably, and cannabis has gained acceptance both medically and recreationally.
Currently, recreational cannabis use is legal in 24 U.S. states, reflecting a societal trend toward normalization. Fewer people now label cannabis as the “devil’s drug,” even if they personally avoid using it. Experts predict that in a few decades, cannabis may lose much of its taboo entirely, becoming just another regulated consumer product.
Despite this growing acceptance, cannabis is not without risks. One particularly alarming issue that has emerged in recent years is “scromiting,” a severe condition tied to chronic cannabis use. While the psychoactive effects of THC—ranging from euphoria and relaxation to anxiety, paranoia, or, in rare instances, psychosis—are well understood, scromiting represents a lesser-known but serious consequence.
What Is Scromiting?
Scromiting is the colloquial term for the violent vomiting episodes caused by Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). CHS is a medical condition that has been increasingly documented over the past decade. Patients often experience extreme nausea, persistent vomiting, and intense abdominal pain that can leave them doubled over for hours, sometimes occurring multiple times per year.
Episodes typically appear within 24 hours of cannabis consumption but can persist for days. Patients frequently report that the pain is so severe they scream while vomiting—hence the term “scromiting.”
Dr. Chris Buresh, an emergency medicine specialist, notes that CHS presents unique challenges: “Currently, there are no therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and standard anti-nausea medications frequently fail to provide relief.”
Patient Experiences Highlight the Severity
The severity of CHS cannot be overstated. One patient recounted visiting the emergency room four or five times over a six-month period due to repeated CHS episodes. He described the sensation as “burning” and “agonizing,” noting that vomiting was uncontrollable. Attempts to alleviate symptoms included prolonged exposure to hot showers, which can temporarily soothe pain but do not address the underlying syndrome. By the time he sought hospital care, the pain was so intense that morphine was required for relief.
Another patient compared the experience to childbirth, calling it “some of the worst physical pain I’ve ever felt in my life.” She recalled pleading, “I’m just pleading with God, please make it stop,” capturing the desperation that accompanies repeated CHS episodes.
Importantly, CHS can recur if cannabis use continues. The only effective way to eliminate the condition entirely is to stop using cannabis. Dr. Beatriz Carlini, research associate professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, explains: “Because the syndrome occurs intermittently, some cannabis users mistakenly believe a recent episode was unrelated and keep using—only to fall seriously ill again.”
Research and Statistics
A study conducted by George Washington University examined over 1,000 patients diagnosed with CHS, finding a strong link between early, frequent cannabis use and repeated emergency room visits for scromiting. These findings underscore the need for awareness among both users and medical professionals.
Of particular concern is the rise of CHS among adolescents. Data from 2016 to 2023 shows a more than tenfold increase in adolescent cases across the United States. The most significant uptick occurred in states where recreational cannabis remains illegal, even though overall CHS cases were higher in states where cannabis is legal. This suggests that younger users in prohibition states may be more vulnerable, potentially due to inconsistent dosing, unregulated products, or lack of awareness about the risks.
Recognizing the Symptoms
CHS symptoms can vary in intensity, but common signs include:
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Persistent nausea that does not respond to standard antiemetic treatments
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Severe vomiting episodes often accompanied by abdominal cramping
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Compulsive hot bathing or showering, which temporarily relieves symptoms
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Weight loss due to prolonged inability to retain food or fluids
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Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in severe cases
Early recognition is critical. While scromiting may seem rare, increased reporting and hospital visits suggest that the condition is becoming more widespread, especially among chronic cannabis users.
Treatment Challenges
Treatment for CHS remains largely supportive. Because there are no FDA-approved therapies, emergency care typically focuses on managing dehydration, alleviating pain, and monitoring complications. Hot showers or baths can provide temporary relief due to their effect on the hypothalamus, which may help modulate nausea, but they are not a cure.
In severe cases, opioid medications such as morphine may be required to control pain, though long-term management relies on cessation of cannabis use. Patients who continue using cannabis after an episode risk recurrent CHS, often with increasing severity.
Why CHS Is Increasing
Several factors may contribute to the rise of CHS cases:
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Higher THC Concentrations: Modern cannabis strains often contain higher THC levels than those used in previous decades, increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions.
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More Frequent Use: Daily or near-daily consumption appears to increase CHS risk.
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Lack of Awareness: Many users are unfamiliar with the syndrome and may not link their symptoms to cannabis use.
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Regulatory Differences: Variations in legality, quality control, and education between states may influence CHS incidence.
The combination of these factors has contributed to a notable increase in hospital visits, particularly among younger users in states with mixed regulatory frameworks.
Public Health Implications
The growing prevalence of CHS highlights an urgent need for public education about the risks of chronic cannabis use. Schools, parents, and healthcare providers should inform adolescents and young adults about potential dangers, emphasizing that legalization does not equate to universal safety.
Medical professionals are also encouraged to consider CHS in differential diagnoses for patients presenting with repeated vomiting, especially if conventional treatments fail. Early intervention and proper guidance can prevent unnecessary suffering and repeated hospitalizations.
The Bottom Line
While cannabis is becoming increasingly normalized and even celebrated in some regions, the risks associated with prolonged or heavy use should not be ignored. Scromiting, caused by Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome, represents one of the most extreme and debilitating effects of chronic consumption.
Patients who experience severe nausea, persistent vomiting, and abdominal pain linked to cannabis use must seek medical attention and consider cessation to prevent recurrence. Awareness of CHS is critical for both users and healthcare providers, particularly as cannabis continues to gain legal acceptance and popularity among younger demographics.
As public perception of cannabis continues to evolve, it is essential to balance cultural acceptance with informed, cautious use. Understanding conditions like scromiting ensures that users are aware of potential consequences and can take responsible steps to protect their health.