THC Poisoning

Get Help With THC Poisoning, CHS

Are you having an emergency due to THC poisoning, CHS symptoms or complications?

What to Do If You Have Extreme Nausea or Vomiting After Smoking Weed

If you are violently nauseous, cannot stop vomiting, or feel like something is seriously wrong after using cannabis – this page is for you.

This is not about moderation.
This is not about “just anxiety.”
This is about acute THC-related illness, including Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).

First – Are You in an Emergency Right Now?

Get medical help immediately (call 911 or go to the ER) if any of the following are true:

  • You have been vomiting nonstop for hours
  • You cannot keep fluids down
  • You feel weak, dizzy, confused, or faint
  • You have chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat
  • You have not urinated in 8+ hours
  • Vomit is dark, bloody, or looks like coffee grounds
  • Severe abdominal pain that does not ease
  • Someone is unresponsive or hard to wake

Do not wait this out. Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can become life-threatening.

“This Feels Like Poisoning” – What May Be Happening

Some people experience a paradoxical reaction to cannabis where THC triggers intense nausea and vomiting instead of relieving it.

This is most commonly associated with Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), which occurs after repeated or long-term cannabis use, even in people who previously tolerated weed without issues.

During an acute episode, the body can enter a hyperemetic state:

  • Repeated vomiting
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Temporary relief from very hot showers or baths
  • Little or no relief from common anti-nausea medications

If You Are Actively Vomiting Right Now

1. Stop All Cannabis Immediately

Do not smoke, vape, eat, or “microdose.”
More THC almost always makes it worse, not better.

2. Hydration Is Critical (But Be Careful)

If you can tolerate it:

  • Small sips of water or electrolyte solution
  • Ice chips if liquids trigger vomiting

If you cannot keep fluids down, this is an ER-level situation.

3. Hot Showers Can Help – Temporarily

Many people with CHS report relief from:

  • Very hot showers or baths

Important warnings:

  • This is temporary symptom relief, not treatment
  • Prolonged hot bathing can worsen dehydration
  • Do not fall asleep in a hot bath
  • If you feel faint, get out immediately

4. Avoid These Common Mistakes

  • Taking more weed to “settle your stomach”
  • Assuming this is food poisoning or a stomach bug
  • Powering through days of vomiting without medical care
  • Relying solely on Zofran or OTC meds if they aren’t working

What to Tell the ER or Urgent Care

If you seek medical care, be direct.

You can say:

“I am a regular cannabis user and I am experiencing uncontrollable vomiting. I’m concerned about Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome.”

This helps clinicians:

  • Consider CHS sooner
  • Avoid unnecessary delays or misdiagnosis
  • Focus on hydration, electrolytes, and appropriate medications

Treatments Often Used in Emergency Settings

Doctors may use:

  • IV fluids for dehydration
  • Electrolyte replacement
  • Dopamine antagonists (such as haloperidol)
  • Topical capsaicin cream (applied to the abdomen)
  • Monitoring for kidney or heart complications

If This Has Happened Before

If you’ve had:

  • Recurrent vomiting episodes
  • ER visits for nausea
  • Relief only from hot showers
  • Symptoms that return when you resume cannabis

This strongly suggests CHS.

The only known way to stop recurrence is:
complete cessation of cannabis.

Reducing use, switching strains, or taking tolerance breaks does not reliably prevent relapse.

If You’re Helping Someone Else Right Now

  • Take their symptoms seriously
  • Watch for dehydration and confusion
  • Do not assume “they’ll sleep it off”
  • Advocate for medical care if vomiting continues

CHS can escalate quickly.

You Are Not Weak. This Is Not Rare.

Many people experiencing THC-related illness:

  • Used cannabis daily or medically
  • Had no problems for years
  • Were told it was anxiety, stress, or GI issues
  • Felt ashamed or dismissed

This is a real physiological reaction, not a failure of willpower.

Next Steps (When the Crisis Passes)

  • Read our CHS overview page
  • Learn how to prevent recurrence
  • Consider submitting an anonymous self-report to help improve awareness

Medical Disclaimer

This page is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, seek professional medical care immediately.