For decades, cannabis has largely been viewed as a low-risk drug—one linked to relaxation, an enhanced appetite, or even a spark of creativity. Yet in recent years, physicians across the United States have begun raising alarms about a surprising and often misunderstood danger affecting a rapidly growing number of long-term cannabis users. Emergency rooms are witnessing a dramatic rise in patients arriving in excruciating abdominal pain, overwhelmed by severe nausea, and unable to stop vomiting. What makes the situation particularly troubling is that many of these individuals have no idea that cannabis itself may be the culprit.

A Hidden and Increasingly Common Crisis

These episodes can be so intense and traumatic that hospital workers have adopted a disturbing term to describe them: “scromiting,” a combination of screaming and vomiting. Medical professionals and social media users who have endured these episodes agree that the experience is just as agonizing as the name suggests. Because the symptoms often come and go in cycles and may be misdiagnosed for years, it has become clear that chronic cannabis use can carry far greater risks than most people assume.

This condition, known as Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), is rapidly emerging as a significant public health concern. With global health organizations now officially recognizing CHS and assigning it a diagnostic code, discussions around heavy cannabis use are shifting. As legalization expands, access grows, and high-potency products become increasingly common, users and healthcare providers are being forced to reconsider long-held beliefs about the drug’s safety. This article examines what is known about CHS, why it is so challenging to diagnose, and why both clinicians and online communities are urgently working to raise awareness.

---

What CHS Is—and Why It’s Appearing More Frequently

Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome affects certain long-term cannabis users, typically developing after years of frequent use. The condition triggers recurring waves of intense nausea, abdominal pain, and uncontrollable vomiting. In some cases, patients vomit multiple times per hour. The pain can be so overwhelming that individuals routinely cry out or scream, further reinforcing the term “scromiting” among ER staff and online support groups.

Although the syndrome has existed for years, its recognition in the medical community has grown sharply over the last decade. Emergency departments across the U.S. have reported a steep rise in cases. A study published in JAMA Network Open found that CHS-related emergency visits increased by approximately 650% between 2016 and the height of the pandemic. Experts suggest that heightened stress, social isolation, and widespread access to high-THC cannabis products helped fuel this surge. The shift also reflects the evolution of the cannabis market itself—today’s products bear little resemblance to the lower-potency varieties of the past.

One of the biggest obstacles in identifying CHS is that its symptoms resemble those of many other gastrointestinal disorders. Patients often present with signs resembling food poisoning, viral infections, or cyclic vomiting syndrome. Without proper awareness, healthcare providers frequently misdiagnose the condition. As a result, many patients cycle through multiple ER visits, accumulating substantial medical bills without receiving an accurate explanation for their suffering. Clinicians at the University of Washington report that it is not uncommon for patients to spend thousands of dollars on unnecessary testing before CHS is finally considered.

In October, the World Health Organization formally recognized CHS, assigning it an official diagnostic code. This classification enables hospitals to track cases more effectively and helps researchers identify nationwide trends. The CDC has already incorporated the code into U.S. diagnostic systems. Experts believe this step will improve early detection and help clinicians recognize recurring patterns among patients who may unknowingly be trapped in an ongoing relapse cycle.

---

Stories of Scromiting—and Why Many Don’t Suspect Cannabis

A striking aspect of CHS is the pervasive lack of awareness among regular cannabis users. On platforms like TikTok, individuals who have experienced CHS have begun sharing harrowing accounts. Many had consumed cannabis daily for years before their first symptoms and initially blamed unrelated causes like bad food or viral illness.

One TikTok user, vanillasunshineee205, described her first episode as worse than childbirth—marked by hours of screaming, vomiting, and desperation. Another user, lizhaniford, said she nearly died after a week without being able to eat or drink. She had been smoking three to four times a day for over four years and never imagined cannabis could be responsible.

These stories reveal a recurring pattern: users often continue consuming cannabis even after severe episodes because symptoms appear sporadic, sometimes weeks or months apart. The intermittent nature makes the condition seem like a temporary stomach issue rather than a reaction linked to cannabis. Even after being diagnosed, some individuals struggle to accept the truth, especially when cannabis has played a central role in managing anxiety, pain, or sleep.

Social media has emerged as a crucial avenue for education. Videos depicting or reenacting scromiting episodes have gone viral, and some individuals dedicate entire pages to spreading awareness. One influencer, ms.womanist3, explained that smoking nearly killed her and that quitting completely was the only cure. These testimonies, though growing, still represent a fraction of the public awareness needed to address the issue.

---

The Science and Theories Behind CHS

Researchers are still trying to determine the exact cause of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome. The leading theory suggests that long-term cannabis use overstimulates the endocannabinoid system, which regulates nausea, digestion, mood, and pain. While cannabis—especially low-THC medicinal products—can reduce nausea in some situations, chronic exposure to high-potency THC appears to have the opposite effect on certain individuals.

Modern recreational cannabis can contain 20–30% THC, while concentrates may exceed 90%. These levels are dramatically higher than the cannabis used historically, and this dramatic increase may help explain the rising prevalence of CHS.

Data from George Washington University surveying more than 1,000 CHS patients found that early cannabis use increased the risk of more severe symptoms. Nearly half of the respondents reported daily use for at least five years before developing CHS. Adolescents appear particularly vulnerable: ER visits for CHS among teenagers increased more than tenfold between 2016 and 2023, with the sharpest rise occurring in states where cannabis remains illegal—suggesting that potency, unregulated products, behavioral factors, and possible genetic predispositions all play complex roles.

Despite growing research, many questions remain unanswered. Why do some heavy users develop CHS while others never do? Does genetics play a central role? Does potency matter more than frequency? Medical specialists emphasize that susceptibility varies widely between individuals, meaning even moderate users may be at risk.

---

Why CHS Is So Difficult for Doctors to Diagnose

CHS is notoriously challenging to diagnose because its symptoms overlap with numerous gastrointestinal disorders. Without knowing a patient’s cannabis habits, clinicians may suspect gallbladder disease, infections, pancreatitis, or cyclic vomiting syndrome.

Doctors typically rely on several key indicators:

• A long history of frequent cannabis use

• Recurring, severe vomiting episodes

• Abdominal pain

• Relief through hot showers or baths

• Complete resolution of symptoms after cannabis cessation

The hot-shower effect is especially telling. Many patients report taking multiple scalding showers per day because heat offers temporary relief. While the mechanism remains unclear, clinicians treat this behavior as a hallmark symptom.

Because there is no laboratory test for CHS, diagnosis depends on honest disclosure and physician awareness. Some patients—especially adolescents or users in regions where cannabis is stigmatized—avoid disclosing the extent of their use. Without this information, providers may order costly imaging, blood tests, or hospital stays before considering CHS.

Misdiagnosis can prolong suffering, contribute to dehydration, and lead to complications such as electrolyte imbalance. With the WHO’s new diagnostic classification, experts hope that CHS will become easier for clinicians to recognize early.

---

Treatment Challenges and Hard Realities

Despite advances in gastrointestinal medicine, CHS remains notoriously difficult to treat. Conventional anti-nausea medications are often ineffective. Many doctors resort to alternative treatments such as haloperidol or short-term benzodiazepines to manage symptoms.

Some patients find temporary relief from capsaicin cream, applied to the abdomen to mimic the warmth of hot showers. Others rely heavily on hot baths, though prolonged exposure can lead to dehydration or burns.

Severe CHS episodes often require hospitalization for intravenous fluids, electrolyte correction, and monitoring. Complications may include weight loss, malnutrition, kidney injury, and, in rare cases, life-threatening cardiac issues. A small number of deaths have been linked to CHS-related complications.

Unfortunately, there is only one known cure:
Complete cessation of cannabis use.

Most patients experience relief within days of quitting, though full recovery may take weeks or months. This creates significant challenges for people who depend on cannabis for mental health, chronic pain, or sleep support. Some relapse because withdrawal is difficult; others simply cannot accept that cannabis—something they trusted—was causing the problem.

Public health experts emphasize the need for supportive services, including counseling, addiction support, and medical guidance. On social media, influencers who have overcome CHS now share relapse-prevention strategies and encourage others to seek help.

---

Cannabis Culture, Public Health, and Shifting Perceptions

The formal recognition of CHS adds a critical dimension to conversations about cannabis safety. As legalization becomes widespread and public attitudes shift, discussions about risk have not kept pace. Many users continue to believe cannabis is harmless or significantly safer than alcohol or other drugs. While cannabis does have legitimate medicinal uses, CHS highlights that it is not risk-free.

High-potency products introduce new challenges. Concentrates and extracts available today contain THC levels far beyond anything seen historically, raising questions about long-term effects on the brain and digestive system.

Bridging the gap between medical understanding and consumer perception remains a major challenge. Some users are reluctant to believe cannabis can cause harm because it contradicts their personal experiences or coping mechanisms. Others fear losing access to a substance they rely on emotionally or physically.

The WHO’s diagnostic code marks a turning point, enabling better tracking, research, and collaboration. With improved data, scientists can deepen their understanding of CHS, refine treatment approaches, and develop targeted public health advice.

---

A Condition Worth Recognizing—and Talking About

Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome reflects the changing landscape of cannabis use. As legalization spreads and high-THC products become mainstream, clinicians are seeing patterns of illness that contradict long-standing assumptions about the drug’s safety. While CHS does not affect all cannabis users, for those who develop it, the condition is debilitating, dangerous, and often life-altering.

The growing body of research—combined with thousands of firsthand accounts—makes clear that increased awareness is essential. Recognizing the signs early, understanding the connection to long-term cannabis use, and seeking appropriate medical care can prevent years of suffering and repeated hospital visits.

For daily users, especially those consuming potent forms of cannabis, education is key to staying safe. CHS is difficult, painful, and emotionally draining—but with the right support, accurate information, and honest conversations, individuals can recover and regain control of their health.