If you have been vomiting for several days and are unsure why – you could be suffering from THC poisoning or CHS.

While cannabis is often portrayed as harmless, the reality is that persistent or heavy THC use can lead to serious health consequences. This article explores the documented dangers of cannabis overuse, drawing from peer-reviewed research and medical literature.

Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD)

One of the dangers associated with THC poisoning is developing what is called “CUD”. Cannabis Use Disorder is a diagnosable condition that affects approximately 3 in 10 cannabis users, with adolescents facing an even higher risk. Recent research indicates that as many as 1 in 3 U.S. adults who used cannabis in the past year may develop CUD as defined by the DSM-5. CUD is characterized by an inability to stop using cannabis despite negative consequences, tolerance development, and withdrawal symptoms.

Stats: 30 million Americans suffer from Cannabis Use Disorder

According to the DSM-V definition of CUD

Risk factors for developing CUD include:

• Starting cannabis use at a younger age (especially before 18)
• Frequent or daily use
• Using high-potency THC products
• Having a history of mental health conditions
• Genetic predisposition

Despite increasing prevalence, treatment rates for CUD have declined from 19% in 2003 to 13% in 2019. Recent studies have also linked CUD to increased risks of developing depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions.

Recent Resources & Research:

NIDA: Cannabis (Marijuana) DrugFacts

CDC: Understanding Your Risk for Cannabis Use Disorder

CDC: Cannabis Facts & Stats

Cannabis Evidence: Prevalence and Risk of Developing Cannabis Use Disorder (2025)

JAMA Psychiatry: Cannabis Use Disorder and Risk of Depression and Bipolar Disorder (2023)

Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

Persistent or heavy THC use – especially when initiated before age 18 – can significantly increase the risk of developing psychosis. Research has shown a clear link between cannabis use and psychotic disorders, with higher potency products presenting greater risks. This is a major warning for those worried about THC poisoning and the dangers of THC ingestion – ingesting before your brain is developed can have lasting effects on your mind.

🚨 MEDICAL EMERGENCY: If you or someone you know is experiencing hallucinations, delusions, severe paranoia, or disorganized thinking after consuming THC, this is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Children are at extreme risk for THC poisoning and cannabis-induced psychosis. 

Accidental ingestion of THC edibles by children has become a growing public health crisis. Children’s developing brains are particularly vulnerable to the psychoactive effects of THC, and even small amounts can cause severe symptoms including:

• Severe hallucinations and delusions
• Extreme agitation and confusion
• Lethargy and altered mental status
• Respiratory depression requiring hospitalization
• Long-term psychological effects

If a child has accidentally consumed THC:

• Call Poison Control immediately: 1-800-222-1222
• Call 911 if the child is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or showing severe symptoms
• Do NOT wait to see if symptoms improve – seek medical help immediately
• Bring the THC product container to the hospital if possible
• Be honest with medical professionals about what was consumed

Documented Cases and Research Gaps

Medical case reports document children as young as 6 years old experiencing severe reactions to accidental THC ingestion, including altered mental status, lethargy, and requiring hospitalization. However, more research is urgently needed to fully understand the long-term neurological and psychological impacts of THC exposure on developing brains.

Studies show that individuals who experience cannabis-induced psychosis are at significantly higher risk of developing persistent psychotic disorders, with some research indicating that up to 44.5% may later be diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. The risk is even more concerning for children, whose brains are still developing.

Recognizing the Signs of Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

Symptoms may include:

• Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t present
• Delusions: Holding false beliefs despite evidence to the contrary
• Paranoia: Intense and irrational distrust or suspicion
• Disorganized thinking: Incoherent speech, erratic behavior, confusion
• Severe agitation: Restlessness, aggression, or violent behavior

Immediate Action Required

If someone is experiencing cannabis-induced psychosis:

• Call 911 immediately – This is a medical emergency
• Stay with the person to prevent self-harm or harm to others
• Remove any objects that could cause harm
• Keep the environment calm and quiet
• Provide medical personnel with information about THC consumption (amount, type, time)

Emergency Resources:

• 911 – For immediate medical emergencies
• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 – 24/7 assistance for accidental ingestion
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (HELP) – Mental health and substance use support

Recent Resources & Research:

International Journal of Environmental Research: Cannabis-Induced Psychosis Case Studies

PubMed: Cannabis use & psychosis – Scientific studies

PubMed: Cannabis use and acute psychosis in emergency settings (2023)

PubMed: Pediatric THC exposure case report

CDC: Cannabis Poisoning Prevention and Safety

Minnesota Department of Health: THC Poisonings – Prevention and Response

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a serious condition that affects long-term, regular cannabis users. It’s characterized by recurrent episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain that can be debilitating and may require emergency medical care. CHS represents a critical THC poisoning danger that develops after prolonged cannabis use, often catching users by surprise.

Symptoms of CHS

CHS typically presents in three phases:

• Prodromal Phase: Early morning nausea, abdominal discomfort, and fear of vomiting
• Hyperemetic Phase: Cyclic episodes of severe, persistent vomiting (can last for days), intense abdominal pain, and dehydration
• Recovery Phase: Symptoms subside, but return if cannabis use resumes

The vomiting episodes can be so severe that individuals may vomit multiple times per hour, leading to:

• Severe dehydration requiring IV fluids
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Weight loss and malnutrition
• Kidney damage in severe cases
• Emergency department visits

The Hot Shower Phenomenon

One of the most distinctive features of CHS is that patients find temporary relief from symptoms by taking hot showers or baths. This behavior can become compulsive, with some individuals spending hours in hot water, which can lead to burns and scalding injuries. The relief is temporary and symptoms return once the person exits the shower.

The mechanism behind this relief involves the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptors, which are activated by heat and also respond to capsaicin (the active component in chili peppers). Topical capsaicin cream applied to the abdomen can provide similar temporary relief.

Learn more about why hot showers and capsaicin provide relief: What does the science tell us about why this works?

Treatment and Recovery

The only definitive cure for CHS is complete cessation of cannabis use. Symptoms typically resolve within days to weeks after stopping cannabis consumption. However, many patients struggle with this because they may not recognize the connection between their symptoms and cannabis use, or they may use cannabis to try to relieve the nausea (which paradoxically makes the condition worse).

Medical treatment during acute episodes may include:

• Intravenous fluids and electrolyte replacement for dehydration
• Antiemetic medications (though standard anti-nausea drugs are often ineffective)
• Antipsychotic medications like haloperidol in some cases
• Topical capsaicin cream for temporary symptom relief
• Supportive care and monitoring

When to Seek Emergency Care

CHS can become a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know experiences:

• Severe, persistent vomiting that won’t stop
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, rapid heartbeat)
• Inability to keep fluids down
• Severe abdominal pain
• Blood in vomit
• Confusion or altered mental status

If experiencing severe CHS symptoms, go to the emergency room or call 911. Dehydration from persistent vomiting can be life-threatening.

Recent Resources & Research:

• THC Poisoning: Why Hot Showers and Capsaicin Relieve CHS Symptoms
• StatPearls: Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
• Cleveland Clinic: Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome
• PubMed: CHS and TRPV1 receptor mechanism
• PMC: Treatment approaches for CHS including capsaicin

Memory & Attention Deficits

Regular THC use has been shown to impair memory formation, learning, and attention. The CDC notes that cannabis directly affects brain regions responsible for:

• Short-term and long-term memory
• Sustained attention and focus
• Motor coordination and reaction time

These effects can persist even after cessation of use. Read more about brain health effects: Brain health effects

Increased Anxiety & Paranoia

High-potency THC products can trigger anxiety attacks and transient paranoia, even in individuals without a history of anxiety disorders. These psychological effects can be severe and may contribute to panic attacks or acute anxiety episodes. This is a critical THC poisoning danger – overconsumption of THC can overstimulate the amygdala, the brain region responsible for processing fear, leading to extreme anxiety, panic attacks, and paranoid thoughts.

THC poisoning from excessive consumption can cause:

• Extreme anxiety and panic attacks that may require medical intervention
• Severe paranoia and feelings of fear or suspicion
• Hallucinations and sensory distortions
• Rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure
• Acute psychotic episodes in vulnerable individuals

The risk of THC poisoning-related anxiety is particularly high with edibles, which can take hours to take effect and are easy to overconsume. Individuals with pre-existing anxiety disorders or a family history of mental health conditions are at even greater risk for severe psychological reactions.

Recent Resources & Research:

Minnesota Department of Health: THC Poisonings and Overdose Prevention

Oxford University: How cannabis causes paranoia

Healthline: Marijuana and Paranoia – What You Need to Know

Schizophrenia Bulletin: THC-induced paranoia and negative affect (2014)

CDC: Cannabis Poisoning Prevention

Withdrawal Symptoms

Quitting cannabis after regular use often leads to withdrawal symptoms, which may include:

• Irritability and mood swings
• Insomnia and sleep disturbances
• Anxiety and restlessness
• Intense cravings for cannabis
• Loss of appetite

These withdrawal features are well-documented in medical literature. Learn more about CUD and withdrawal: CUD & withdrawal

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