Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, known colloquially as “scromiting” for the combination of screaming and vomiting, is becoming more common as cannabis use increases. A new study found the number of diagnosed cases jumped sevenfold from 2016 to 2022, with cases peaking at 33 per 100,000 emergency room visits.
Rising Incidence and Demographics
A University of Illinois Chicago study of hospital emergency departments nationwide found that the increase in CHS cases occurred simultaneously with increased cannabis legalization and increased potency of products. The surge peaked during the COVID pandemic when substance abuse increased sharply. The increase came primarily among young adults ages 18 to 35, predominantly men.
Most people with CHS are long-term users who smoke every day, often high-potency weed or concentrates. The vast majority of people diagnosed with CHS consumed cannabis every day, according to a systematic review.
Symptoms and Mechanisms
The condition typically involves vicious bouts of vomiting lasting days at a time, with sufferers unable to eat or keep down fluids. Only hot showers offer relief. Jared Panks, a paramedic and cannabis farmer, described episodes lasting up to 14 days where “my whole body starts to seize up. I have to go to the ER and get fluids.” He lost 50 pounds as his body continuously tried to purge, and constant dry heaves damaged his throat and teeth.
Cannabis acts on the endo-cannabinoid system, which helps regulate the digestive system. While the mechanism causing CHS remains unexplained, THC accumulates in the body’s fatty tissues over time with heavy use.
Expert Commentary and Solutions
James Swartz, lead author of the UIC study, stated: “There is still some skepticism. Proponents of cannabis say this is being alarmist, it hardly occurs. No, this is real, and it’s common enough that it’s of concern.” He encourages clinicians to consider CHS when treating patients and urged people to take “a long hard look” at very high potency products.
Tim Blake, founder of The Emerald Cup, experienced cyclic vomiting over a decade ago and resolved it by quitting cannabis for several months. He now abstains from cannabis annually, comparing excessive use to daily consumption of hard liquor: “We shouldn’t be drinking 151 rum shots every day. We should do more beer and wine.”
Panks advocates focusing on cannabis terpenes rather than THC percentages: “We need to stop looking at THC percentages and more at the terpenes, so you can understand how your body reacts.” Abstinence remains the only known cure for CHS. The World Health Organization recently recognized CHS as a medical condition.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.dailypress.com/2026/01/09/scromiting-cannabis-cannabinoid-hyperemesis-syndrome/