THC Poisoning

Category: Treatment & Relief

  • Is There a Cure for CHS?

    Is There a Cure for CHS?

    Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a challenging condition that affects people who use cannabis regularly. When people experience the severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain that characterize CHS, they often wonder: is there a cure? What will cure THC poisoning? Can anything make this stop?

    The short answer is both straightforward and complex: The only definitive cure for CHS is complete and permanent cessation of cannabis use. However, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms during episodes, and emerging research is exploring new medications that may provide relief. Understanding the difference between treatment and cure is crucial for anyone dealing with this condition.

    Understanding What “Cure” Means for CHS

    When people ask what will cure THC poisoning or CHS, it’s important to understand what that means. Unlike some medical conditions where a medication can eliminate the problem, CHS is directly caused by chronic cannabis use. The cannabinoids in cannabis-particularly THC-accumulate in the body over time and disrupt the normal functioning of the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal function.

    Think of it like this: if you have an allergic reaction to something you’re eating, the reaction will continue as long as you keep eating that food. Similarly, CHS symptoms will continue and worsen as long as you continue using cannabis. The body needs time to clear the accumulated cannabinoids and for the endocannabinoid system to return to normal function. This is why there’s no medication that can cure CHS while cannabis use continues-the underlying cause must be addressed first.

    The Only True Cure: Cannabis Cessation

    Complete abstinence from all forms of cannabis is the only way to permanently resolve CHS. This includes:

    • Marijuana (flower, edibles, concentrates)
    • THC-A products (which convert to THC when heated)
    • Delta-8, Delta-10, and other “legal” THC variants
    • Full-spectrum CBD products that contain THC
    • Any other cannabis-derived products containing cannabinoids

    When someone stops using cannabis completely, their symptoms typically resolve within days to weeks, though some people may experience lingering effects for longer periods. The key is permanent cessation-returning to cannabis use will cause CHS symptoms to return, often more severely than before.

    Treatment Options During CHS Episodes

    While there’s no medication that “cures” CHS while continuing cannabis use, several treatments can help manage symptoms during acute episodes:

    Standard Antiemetic Medications

    Traditional anti-nausea medications are often tried first, though they have limited effectiveness in CHS. Standard first-line antiemetics such as ondansetron and prochlorperazine are often ineffective in treating cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which is one reason why CHS can be so difficult to manage:

    • Ondansetron (Zofran): A 5-HT3 receptor antagonist commonly used for nausea, but often ineffective in CHS
    • Prochlorperazine: Another standard antiemetic that frequently fails to provide relief in CHS cases
    • Promethazine (Phenergan): An antihistamine with antiemetic properties
    • Metoclopramide (Reglan): A prokinetic agent that can help with gastric emptying
    • Haloperidol: An antipsychotic that has shown some effectiveness in CHS cases

    Unfortunately, many people with CHS find that these standard medications don’t provide adequate relief, which is why researchers are exploring new treatment options like aprepitant that target different pathways in the body’s nausea and vomiting response.

    Hot Showers and Capsaicin Cream

    One of the most distinctive features of CHS is that hot showers or baths provide temporary relief from symptoms. This is thought to work through activation of TRPV1 receptors in the skin, which may help reset the body’s nausea and vomiting pathways. Some people also find relief from applying capsaicin cream (the active ingredient in chili peppers) to their abdomen, which works through similar mechanisms.

    While these methods provide temporary relief, they’re not cures-they’re symptom management techniques that can help people get through acute episodes.

    Emerging Treatment: Aprepitant

    Recent research has explored the use of aprepitant (brand name Emend) as a potential treatment for CHS. Aprepitant is a neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist that’s currently approved for preventing chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting.

    A study published in Cureus examined the emerging role of aprepitant in treating CHS. The research suggests that aprepitant may be more effective than traditional antiemetics for CHS because it targets different pathways in the brain’s vomiting center.

    How Aprepitant Works

    Aprepitant works by blocking neurokinin-1 receptors in the brain. These receptors are involved in the body’s nausea and vomiting response. By blocking these receptors, aprepitant can interrupt the cycle of severe nausea and vomiting that characterizes CHS episodes.

    The medication is typically given in a hospital setting, often as part of a treatment protocol that includes:

    • Intravenous aprepitant (or oral formulation)
    • Supportive care including IV fluids for hydration
    • Other medications as needed

    What the Research Shows

    Aprepitant has been identified as having strong potential in treating protracted vomiting episodes in individuals with CHS. This is particularly significant because standard first-line antiemetics such as ondansetron (Zofran) and prochlorperazine are often ineffective in treating cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

    Case studies and small clinical reports have shown promising results with aprepitant in CHS patients who haven’t responded to standard treatments. The fact that aprepitant targets different pathways (NK-1 receptors) than traditional antiemetics may explain why it appears to be more effective for CHS, which doesn’t respond well to medications that work for other types of nausea and vomiting.

    However, it’s important to note that:

    • Aprepitant is not a cure-it’s a treatment for acute episodes
    • Research is still emerging, and larger studies are needed
    • The medication must be prescribed by a healthcare provider
    • It’s typically used in emergency or hospital settings
    • Cannabis cessation is still required for long-term resolution

    Aprepitant may help break the cycle of severe vomiting during an acute CHS episode, which can be life-threatening due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This can buy time and provide relief while the person works toward complete cannabis cessation.

    The Broader Context of NK-1 Receptor Antagonists

    Aprepitant belongs to a class of medications called NK-1 receptor antagonists. Research has explored the potential of these medications for various conditions beyond their current approved uses. While plans to develop aprepitant specifically as an antidepressant were withdrawn, other NK-1 receptor antagonists have shown promising results in clinical trials for depression and other conditions. This suggests that the NK-1 receptor pathway may play important roles in multiple systems in the body, which could explain why aprepitant appears effective for CHS when other antiemetics fail.

    The broader research into NK-1 receptor antagonists highlights that these medications may have therapeutic potential beyond their current uses, though much of the data remains proprietary and more research is needed to fully understand their potential applications.

    Supportive Care and Hospital Treatment

    During severe CHS episodes, hospitalization is often necessary. Treatment in the hospital typically includes:

    • IV Fluids: To treat dehydration and restore electrolyte balance
    • Pain Management: For severe abdominal pain
    • Antiemetic Medications: Including aprepitant or other options
    • Monitoring: For complications like kidney injury or electrolyte abnormalities
    • Psychiatric Support: To help with cannabis cessation and withdrawal

    What to Ask for at the Hospital

    If you’re experiencing severe CHS symptoms and need to go to the hospital, it’s important to advocate for yourself. Not all healthcare providers are familiar with CHS or the most effective treatment options. Here’s what you should know:

    Be Honest About Your Cannabis Use

    The most important thing you can do is be completely honest with your healthcare providers about your cannabis use. This information is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Some people feel embarrassed or worried about judgment, but healthcare providers need this information to help you effectively.

    Ask About CHS-Specific Treatments

    If standard antiemetic medications aren’t working, you can ask your doctor about:

    • Aprepitant (Emend): This is a newer treatment option that may be more effective for CHS than traditional antiemetics. Research suggests it may work better because it targets different pathways in the brain’s vomiting center. You can ask: “I’ve heard that aprepitant might be more effective for CHS than standard antiemetics. Is that something we could try?”
    • Haloperidol: Some studies have shown this antipsychotic medication can be effective for CHS when other treatments fail. It’s not a first-line treatment, but it may be worth discussing if other options haven’t worked.

    Request Proper Hydration and Monitoring

    Severe CHS episodes can cause life-threatening dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Make sure your healthcare team is:

    • Providing adequate IV fluids
    • Monitoring your electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, etc.)
    • Checking kidney function
    • Monitoring for complications

    Ask About Pain Management

    The abdominal pain associated with CHS can be severe. Don’t hesitate to ask for appropriate pain management if you’re in significant discomfort.

    Request Information About Cannabis Cessation Support

    While you’re in the hospital, ask about resources for stopping cannabis use. Many hospitals have addiction medicine specialists or can refer you to outpatient programs that can help with cessation and withdrawal management.

    What If Your Doctor Doesn’t Know About CHS?

    Unfortunately, not all healthcare providers are familiar with CHS. If your doctor seems unfamiliar with the condition, you can:

    • Politely mention that you believe you may have Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
    • Explain that you’ve found that hot showers provide temporary relief (this is a distinctive feature of CHS)
    • Ask if they could consult with a gastroenterologist or emergency medicine specialist who may be more familiar with the condition
    • Request that they look up current treatment guidelines for CHS

    Remember: You have the right to advocate for your care. If you’re not getting relief from standard treatments, it’s appropriate to ask about alternative options like aprepitant, especially if you’re experiencing severe, persistent symptoms.

    The Reality of Treatment vs. Cure

    It’s important to be clear about what treatments can and cannot do:

    What treatments CAN do:

    • Provide relief during acute episodes
    • Prevent life-threatening complications like severe dehydration
    • Help manage symptoms while working toward cessation
    • Support the body’s recovery process

    What treatments CANNOT do:

    • Cure CHS while continuing cannabis use
    • Prevent future episodes if cannabis use resumes
    • Replace the need for complete cessation
    • Work permanently without addressing the root cause

    Why There’s No “Magic Pill”

    Some people hope for a medication that will cure THC poisoning or allow them to continue using cannabis without experiencing CHS symptoms. Unfortunately, this isn’t how CHS works. The condition develops because the body’s endocannabinoid system becomes overwhelmed and dysregulated by chronic cannabinoid exposure. No medication can fix this underlying problem while cannabinoids continue to be introduced into the system.

    The endocannabinoid system needs time to reset, and this can only happen when cannabis use stops completely. This is why even the most promising treatments like aprepitant are used to manage acute episodes, not as long-term solutions that allow continued cannabis use. There is no medication that can cure CHS while cannabis use continues-the only true cure is complete cessation.

    The Path Forward

    If you’re suffering from CHS, here’s what you need to know:

    1. Complete cessation is the only cure-but it works. Many people see significant improvement within days of stopping cannabis use.
    2. Treatment options exist for managing acute episodes, including emerging treatments like aprepitant that may be more effective than traditional antiemetics.
    3. Medical support is crucial-don’t try to manage severe CHS episodes alone. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can be life-threatening.
    4. Recovery is possible-with complete cessation, most people fully recover from CHS, though the timeline varies from person to person.
    5. Prevention is key-once you’ve recovered, returning to cannabis use will cause CHS to return. The only way to prevent future episodes is permanent abstinence.

    Talking to Your Doctor

    If you’re experiencing CHS symptoms and wondering what will cure THC poisoning or CHS, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider who understands the condition. Be honest about your cannabis use-this information is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor can:

    • Confirm the diagnosis
    • Provide appropriate treatment during acute episodes
    • Discuss options like aprepitant if standard treatments aren’t working
    • Support you in cannabis cessation
    • Monitor your recovery

    Some emergency departments and hospitals are becoming more familiar with CHS and newer treatment options. If you’re in a severe episode, don’t hesitate to seek emergency care. When you go to the hospital, be prepared to advocate for yourself and ask about treatment options that may be more effective for CHS specifically.

    What will cure THC poisoning?

    The question “Is there a cure for CHS?” or “What will cure THC poisoning?” has a clear answer: Yes, but it requires complete and permanent cessation of cannabis use. While this may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that:

    • The cure is within your control
    • Treatment options exist to help you through acute episodes
    • Recovery is possible and often happens relatively quickly
    • Medical support is available to help you through the process

    Emerging treatments like aprepitant may offer better symptom management during acute episodes, which can be crucial for people experiencing severe, life-threatening symptoms. However, these treatments are tools to help you get through the crisis, not replacements for the fundamental solution of cannabis cessation.

    If you’re struggling with CHS, know that you’re not alone, and that recovery is possible. The path forward involves stopping cannabis use completely and working with healthcare providers who can support you through both the acute episodes and the long-term recovery process. When you need hospital care, don’t hesitate to ask about treatment options that may be more effective for CHS, including newer medications like aprepitant if standard treatments aren’t providing relief.

    Sources and Further Reading

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  • Scromiting: The Severe Vomiting Episodes of CHS

    Scromiting: The Severe Vomiting Episodes of CHS

    If you’ve heard the term “scromiting” in relation to cannabis use, you might be wondering what it means. This slang term-a blend of “screaming” and “vomiting”-describes one of the most severe and distressing manifestations of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Understanding what scromiting is, why it happens, and how to recognize it could be crucial for anyone experiencing unexplained vomiting episodes.

    What Is Scromiting?

    Scromiting is a colloquial term that describes the extreme distress experienced during severe CHS episodes. The word combines “screaming” and “vomiting” because people experiencing these episodes often find themselves simultaneously screaming in agony and vomiting uncontrollably due to the overwhelming pain, nausea, and abdominal cramping.

    This isn’t just regular vomiting-scromiting represents the most severe end of the CHS symptom spectrum. During these episodes, the pain and nausea are so intense that vocal expressions of distress are involuntary. People describe feeling like they’re being torn apart from the inside, with waves of severe abdominal pain that trigger both vomiting and screaming.

    The Connection to CHS

    Scromiting occurs during the hyperemetic phase of CHS, which is the acute, most severe phase of the condition. This phase is characterized by:

    • Persistent, severe nausea that doesn’t respond to typical treatments
    • Repeated episodes of vomiting that can last for hours or even days
    • Severe abdominal pain and cramping that can be debilitating
    • Compulsive hot bathing behavior (taking multiple hot showers per day)
    • Dehydration from persistent vomiting
    • Weight loss from inability to keep food or fluids down

    During scromiting episodes, all of these symptoms reach their peak intensity simultaneously, creating an experience that many people describe as among the worst physical suffering they’ve ever endured.

    Why Does Scromiting Happen?

    The exact mechanism behind scromiting isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to result from the same underlying causes as CHS:

    Chronic Cannabis Use and Receptor Overstimulation

    Prolonged, heavy cannabis use appears to overstimulate the body’s cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 receptors in the brain and digestive system. Over time, this overstimulation disrupts the body’s natural regulation of nausea and vomiting. Instead of preventing nausea (as cannabis typically does), chronic use can cause the opposite effect-severe, uncontrollable nausea and vomiting.

    The Pain Component

    The severe abdominal pain that triggers screaming during scromiting episodes may be related to:

    • Visceral hypersensitivity: The digestive system becomes overly sensitive to normal stimuli
    • Muscle spasms: Severe cramping in the abdominal muscles
    • Inflammation: Chronic cannabis use may cause inflammation in the digestive tract
    • Autonomic nervous system dysfunction: Disruption of the body’s automatic functions

    Why It’s So Severe

    Scromiting represents the body’s extreme response to this dysfunction. The pain signals, nausea signals, and vomiting reflexes all fire simultaneously at maximum intensity, creating a perfect storm of symptoms that leads to the characteristic screaming and vomiting combination.

    Recognizing Scromiting Episodes

    If you or someone you know is experiencing scromiting, it’s important to recognize the pattern. These episodes typically:

    • Come in cycles: Episodes are separated by periods of relative normalcy
    • Start suddenly: Often beginning in the morning or after periods of stress
    • Involve extreme pain: Abdominal pain so severe it causes vocal expressions of distress
    • Include uncontrollable vomiting: Vomiting that continues even when the stomach is empty (dry heaving)
    • Respond to hot water: Temporary relief from hot showers or baths
    • Require medical attention: Often necessitating emergency room visits for dehydration

    The Three Phases of CHS

    Understanding where scromiting fits in the CHS progression helps with recognition:

    1. Prodromal Phase (can last months or years)

    • Early morning nausea
    • Abdominal discomfort
    • Fear of vomiting
    • Some people increase cannabis use, mistakenly thinking it helps

    2. Hyperemetic Phase (where scromiting occurs)

    • Severe, persistent nausea
    • Repeated vomiting episodes (scromiting)
    • Severe abdominal pain
    • Compulsive hot bathing
    • Dehydration and weight loss
    • This phase can last 24-48 hours or longer

    3. Recovery Phase

    • Symptoms subside when cannabis use stops
    • Recovery can take days to months
    • Symptoms return if cannabis use resumes

    The Rising Incidence of Scromiting

    Scromiting and CHS are becoming increasingly common. Research shows a significant increase in CHS-related emergency department visits in recent years. A study published in JAMA Network Open found a fivefold increase in CHS-related emergency visits from 2016 to 2022 (Healthline).

    Several factors may be contributing to this rise:

    Higher THC Concentrations

    Modern cannabis products often contain much higher THC concentrations than products from decades ago. Some concentrates and extracts can contain 80-90% THC, compared to the 5-15% THC typically found in traditional cannabis flower. This increased potency may contribute to more severe CHS symptoms, including scromiting episodes.

    Increased Cannabis Use

    As cannabis becomes legal in more jurisdictions and social acceptance grows, more people are using cannabis regularly. With more regular users, the number of people developing CHS-and experiencing scromiting-naturally increases.

    Better Recognition

    Healthcare providers are becoming more aware of CHS, which means more cases are being properly diagnosed. What was once misdiagnosed as cyclic vomiting syndrome or other conditions is now being recognized as CHS.

    Younger Users

    Scromiting appears to be most common among young, heavy cannabis users (Discover Magazine). Starting cannabis use in adolescence may increase the risk of developing CHS, and younger users may be more likely to use high-potency products.

    What Scromiting Feels Like: Personal Accounts

    People who have experienced scromiting describe it in various ways:

    • “It feels like my insides are being ripped apart”
    • “The pain is so intense I can’t help but scream”
    • “I’m vomiting so hard I can’t catch my breath”
    • “It’s like my body is trying to expel something that isn’t there”
    • “The only thing that helps is burning hot water, and even that only works while I’m in it”
    • “I’ve never felt pain like this before”

    These descriptions highlight the severity of scromiting episodes and why they require immediate medical attention.

    Medical Emergency: When to Seek Help

    Scromiting episodes are medical emergencies. The combination of severe vomiting, pain, and potential dehydration can lead to serious complications:

    Immediate Dangers

    • Severe dehydration: Can lead to kidney problems, electrolyte imbalances, and organ damage
    • Electrolyte imbalances: Can cause heart rhythm problems, muscle weakness, and seizures
    • Aspiration: Vomiting while screaming can lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia
    • Physical exhaustion: The intensity of episodes can be physically exhausting and dangerous

    When to Go to the Emergency Room

    You should seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing:

    • Persistent vomiting that won’t stop
    • Inability to keep any fluids down
    • Signs of severe dehydration (dizzy, weak, dark urine, dry mouth, rapid heartbeat)
    • Severe abdominal pain
    • Confusion or disorientation
    • Signs of electrolyte imbalance (muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat)
    • Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

    What to Expect at the Hospital

    Emergency room treatment for scromiting typically includes:

    • Intravenous fluids: To treat dehydration and restore electrolyte balance
    • Anti-nausea medications: Though these may have limited effectiveness in CHS
    • Pain management: Medications to help manage severe abdominal pain
    • Monitoring: Checking vital signs and electrolyte levels
    • Assessment: Determining if there are complications from dehydration

    Unfortunately, many people with CHS end up in the emergency room multiple times before getting the correct diagnosis, as scromiting can be mistaken for other conditions.

    Treatment and Management

    During Acute Episodes

    While in the emergency room or at home during less severe episodes:

    • Hot showers or baths: Many people find temporary relief from very hot water
    • Capsaicin cream: Some emergency rooms apply this to the abdomen (it activates the same receptors as hot water)
    • Supportive care: IV fluids, rest, and monitoring
    • Avoiding triggers: Stress, certain foods, or other factors that might worsen episodes. Do not consume cannabis, in any form – you cannot eat edibles, smoke weed, take CBD or anything.

    Long-Term Treatment

    The only proven long-term treatment for CHS and scromiting is complete cessation of cannabis use. This can be extremely difficult, especially for people who:

    • Use cannabis for medical conditions (like chronic pain or PTSD)
    • Have developed dependence on cannabis
    • Don’t realize cannabis is causing their symptoms
    • Have been using cannabis for years

    The Recovery Process

    When you stop using cannabis:

    • Acute episodes stop: Scromiting episodes typically cease within days to weeks
    • Symptoms gradually improve: Full recovery can take weeks to months
    • Relapse is common: If you resume cannabis use, symptoms usually return
    • Support may be needed: Quitting cannabis can be challenging, and support from healthcare providers, counselors, or support groups may be helpful

    Why People Don’t Realize Cannabis Is the Cause

    One of the most challenging aspects of scromiting and CHS is that people often don’t realize cannabis is causing their symptoms. This happens because:

    The Paradox of Cannabis and Nausea

    Cannabis is commonly used to treat nausea, so the idea that it could cause severe nausea seems counterintuitive. Many people actually increase their cannabis use during the prodromal phase, thinking it will help their symptoms, which only makes things worse.

    Delayed Onset

    CHS typically develops after years of regular cannabis use, so people don’t connect their current symptoms to their long-term cannabis use. The condition can develop after 1-2 years of regular use, but sometimes takes much longer.

    Misdiagnosis

    Scromiting is often misdiagnosed as:

    • Cyclic vomiting syndrome
    • Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
    • Food poisoning
    • Anxiety or panic disorders
    • Other gastrointestinal conditions

    Without the correct diagnosis, people continue using cannabis, and their symptoms continue or worsen.

    Social Stigma

    Some people are reluctant to discuss their cannabis use with healthcare providers, especially in areas where it’s not legal or where there’s social stigma. This can delay diagnosis and treatment.

    Prevention and Awareness

    The best way to prevent scromiting is to prevent CHS:

    Understanding the Risk

    • Regular, heavy cannabis use increases the risk of developing CHS
    • High-potency products may increase the risk
    • Starting use in adolescence may increase risk
    • Daily or near-daily use is associated with higher risk

    Early Recognition

    Recognizing early symptoms (the prodromal phase) and stopping cannabis use can prevent progression to the hyperemetic phase where scromiting occurs. Early symptoms include:

    • Morning nausea
    • Abdominal discomfort
    • Increased cannabis use to manage symptoms
    • Anxiety about vomiting

    Honest Communication

    Being honest with healthcare providers about cannabis use is crucial for getting the correct diagnosis. Healthcare providers need this information to recognize CHS and help you get appropriate treatment.

    The Impact on Daily Life

    Scromiting episodes can be completely debilitating. People who experience them may:

    • Miss work or school during episodes
    • Avoid social situations for fear of having an episode
    • Develop anxiety about when the next episode will occur
    • Strain relationships as family and friends may not understand the condition
    • Face significant healthcare costs from repeated emergency room visits
    • Experience isolation due to the severity and unpredictability of episodes

    The impact extends beyond the physical symptoms to affect mental health, relationships, work, and overall quality of life.

    Getting Help

    If you’re experiencing scromiting or suspect you might have CHS:

    Medical Help

    1. Seek immediate care during acute episodes (go to the emergency room)
    2. Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms and cannabis use
    3. Get a proper diagnosis so you can receive appropriate treatment
    4. Consider support for stopping cannabis use if that’s the recommended treatment

    Support Resources

    • Healthcare providers familiar with CHS
    • Addiction medicine specialists (for help stopping cannabis use)
    • Mental health counselors (to address anxiety, depression, or other concerns)
    • Support groups (for people dealing with CHS or cannabis cessation)

    Information and Education

    Understanding CHS and scromiting is the first step toward getting help. Resources include:

    The Bottom Line

    Scromiting is a severe, distressing manifestation of CHS that combines screaming and vomiting due to intense pain and nausea. It represents the most severe end of the CHS symptom spectrum and requires immediate medical attention.

    If you’re experiencing scromiting or severe vomiting episodes, especially if you use cannabis regularly:

    1. Seek immediate medical care during acute episodes
    2. Be honest with healthcare providers about your cannabis use
    3. Consider that cannabis might be causing your symptoms, even if it seems counterintuitive
    4. Understand that stopping cannabis use is the only proven long-term treatment
    5. Get support for managing both the medical and psychological aspects of CHS

    Scromiting is a real, serious condition that affects many people. Recognizing it, understanding it, and getting appropriate treatment can help you recover and prevent future episodes.

    Additional Resources

    For more information on CHS symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, see our main page on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).

  • When CHS Becomes Life-Threatening

    When CHS Becomes Life-Threatening

    Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is typically described as a debilitating but non-fatal condition characterized by recurrent nausea, uncontrollable vomiting, and abdominal pain in people with long-term heavy cannabis use. However, there are documented cases – both in medical literature and shared in patient communities – where complications of CHS have contributed to severe health outcomes, including death.

    Have People Died From CHS?

    Several individuals in online CHS communities have shared heartbreaking accounts of loved ones who died after prolonged or severe CHS episodes. In one widely discussed case, a parent reported that her 38-year-old son’s death was attributed on his death certificate to cardiac arrest related to CHS, with dehydration and electrolyte imbalance cited as likely contributing factors. Members described long periods of vomiting, dehydration, and strain on the body preceding his death. Reddit

    Other community posts recount similarly tragic experiences, including reports of cardiac arrest or fatal complications occurring in people struggling with ongoing CHS symptoms. While these individual reports cannot be independently verified here, they reflect the lived fears and outcomes shared by some community members. Reddit

    It’s important to note that these are anecdotal accounts, not clinical case reports, but they highlight why many patients and caregivers take the risk of severe complications seriously.

    What Medical Research Says About Risk and Fatality

    In the clinical literature, fatal outcomes directly attributable to CHS are rare but documented. Case reports published in medical journals describe individuals with cyclical vomiting who experienced fatal complications such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. These reports emphasize that the cause of death is not cannabis itself, but severe, protracted vomiting and its effects on the body. PubMed

    Other reviews summarizing outcomes from CHS note that complications of persistent vomiting – including dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, kidney injury, and heart rhythm disturbances – can be serious and potentially life-threatening if not treated promptly. National Geographic

    Why These Outcomes Occur

    If someone with CHS experiences prolonged vomiting without adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement, the body can enter a dangerous state of:

    • Severe dehydration, reducing blood volume
    • Electrolyte imbalances, affecting heart and kidney function
    • Metabolic disturbances, complicating normal cellular processes

    These physiological stresses – particularly without medical intervention – can result in complications such as cardiac arrest or organ failure in rare cases. Welly

    What This Means for Patients and Caregivers

    A few takeaways from the clinical evidence and community reports:

    • Deaths directly caused by CHS are rare, but they do occur and are generally linked to secondary complications, not the cannabis itself. PubMed
    • Prompt medical care for dehydration and electrolyte imbalance is essential.
    • Cessation of cannabis use is the only known way to prevent recurrence of CHS symptoms. JAMA Network
    • Community-shared experiences, while not clinical evidence, underscore the lived reality of risk that many people with CHS describe.

    A Note on Reporting and Awareness

    Because CHS is often underdiagnosed and can mimic other gastrointestinal disorders, many severe cases may go unrecognized or be attributed to other causes. As recognition of CHS grows among clinicians and researchers, more accurate tracking of outcomes – including rare fatal complications – will help inform both patients and providers.

    For a thorough clinical overview of CHS symptoms, diagnosis, and management, see our main Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) page.

    See the research below, courtesy of Elicit

    Elicit – Mortality Rates in Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome – ReportDownload
  • Why Hot Showers and Capsaicin Relieve Symptoms in Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

    Why Hot Showers and Capsaicin Relieve Symptoms in Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

    If you’re experiencing nausea from weed, throwing up after smoking, or stomach pain from THC, you might have noticed something unusual: hot showers help with nausea. This isn’t just a coincidence-it’s actually one of the most common patterns reported by people with Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).

    If you’ve found yourself wondering why hot water helps when you’re nauseous from weed, or if you’ve discovered that taking multiple hot showers a day is the only thing that makes you feel better, you’re not alone. This behavior is actually a key sign of CHS, and many people discover this relief on their own before they even know what CHS is.

    For a clinical overview of CHS and current research, see our main page on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).

    For authoritative medical information on CHS, see:

    What People Actually Experience

    If you’re dealing with CHS, you might recognize this pattern: you wake up feeling nauseous, maybe you’ve already thrown up, and your stomach is cramping. Then you get in a hot shower-really hot, almost scalding-and suddenly the nausea starts to fade. The relief can feel almost instant.

    But here’s the catch: as soon as you get out and your body cools down, the nausea comes back. So you get back in. And again. Some people report taking four, five, or even more hot showers in a single day just to get through the worst of it.

    People describe it in different ways:

    • “The only thing that helps is burning hot water”
    • “I spend hours in the shower just to stop feeling sick”
    • “As soon as I step out, I feel like I’m going to throw up again”
    • “I’ve burned my skin because the water has to be so hot to work”

    This pattern is so common that doctors now recognize it as a strong diagnostic clue for CHS. If you find yourself compulsively taking hot showers to manage nausea and vomiting, especially if you’re a regular cannabis user, it’s worth talking to a healthcare provider about CHS.

    Why Hot Water Helps When You’re Nauseous from Weed

    So why does hot water help when you’re nauseous from weed? The leading explanation involves something called TRPV1 receptors-think of them as sensors in your body that respond to heat and certain chemicals.

    Here’s what’s happening: when you have CHS, your body’s nausea signals are basically going haywire from chronic cannabis use. But when you expose yourself to very hot water (or capsaicin, the stuff that makes peppers hot), it activates these TRPV1 receptors in a way that temporarily shuts down or overrides those nausea signals.

    It’s like hitting a reset button, but only while the heat is there. That’s why the relief is so immediate when you get in the shower, and why it disappears as soon as you cool off.

    This same mechanism is why some emergency rooms use capsaicin cream (the active ingredient in chili peppers) on the abdomen-it activates the same receptors without requiring you to stay in a hot shower for hours. (PubMed: TRPV1 and CHS)

    Capsaicin Cream: An Alternative to Hot Showers

    If you’ve ever been to the ER for CHS symptoms, you might have had a doctor apply capsaicin cream to your stomach. This is basically the same principle as hot showers-it activates those TRPV1 receptors-but without the risk of burns or dehydration from spending hours in hot water.

    Some people also try using capsaicin cream at home, applying it to their abdomen when they feel an episode coming on. It can provide similar relief to hot showers, though it may cause a burning sensation on the skin (which is why it’s often used in medical settings where they can monitor you).

    Important note: Capsaicin cream doesn’t cure CHS-it just provides temporary relief, just like hot showers. And you should be careful with it, as it can cause skin irritation. (PubMed: TRPV1 and CHS)

    Why It’s Only Temporary Relief

    Here’s the hard truth: hot showers don’t fix CHS. They just mask the symptoms while you’re in them. As soon as you step out and cool down, the nausea and vomiting come back because the underlying problem-whatever cannabis is doing to your body’s systems-is still there.

    This is why people get stuck in cycles of taking shower after shower. It’s not that you’re doing something wrong-it’s that you’re treating a symptom, not the cause.

    The only thing that actually resolves CHS long-term is stopping cannabis use completely. This can be really difficult, especially if you’ve been using it regularly, but it’s the only proven way to make the symptoms go away for good. Many people find that their CHS symptoms disappear within days or weeks of stopping cannabis use. (Cleveland Clinic, WebMD)

    What This Means for You

    If you’re reading this because you’ve been taking hot showers to manage nausea and vomiting, especially if you use cannabis regularly, you might have CHS. The hot shower behavior itself is actually a diagnostic clue that doctors use to identify the condition.

    This is important: While hot showers can help you get through the worst moments, they’re not a treatment. If you’re experiencing:

    • Repeated episodes of severe nausea and vomiting
    • Stomach pain or cramping
    • Relief from hot showers that disappears when you cool down
    • Regular cannabis use (especially daily or near-daily use)

    …you should talk to a healthcare provider. CHS can lead to serious dehydration and other complications if not addressed. Many people don’t realize they have CHS until they end up in the emergency room, but getting help earlier can prevent things from getting that bad.

    The good news? Once you stop using cannabis, CHS symptoms typically go away. It’s not a permanent condition-it’s your body’s way of telling you that cannabis isn’t working for you anymore.

    Additional Resources