Policies promoting a non-judgmental, open discussion about cannabis use in healthcare settings could help overcome this barrier. As CHS becomes an increasingly familiar diagnosis to clinicians, particularly in those regions of the world with liberalized or prevalent marijuana use, there still remain some puzzling questions. The pathogenesis of CHS is being elucidated and likely involves a prominent role of TRPV1 receptors. But why is CHS an episodic condition with sometimes very long asymptomatic periods between attacks? Another puzzling question is why CHS symptoms in many patients resolve completely in a very short period of time − even hours − when marijuana use is discontinued.
What are the possible complications of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
Some people with CHS require pain relievers if abdominal pain is present. Doctors have also noticed that people in the hyperemesis stage take frequent showers and baths, which seem to relieve nausea. People in the hyperemesis stage will experience intense and persistent nausea and vomiting. In CHS, receptors that bind to the different components of marijuana can become altered. On the basis that only a small number of regular and long term users of marijuana develop CHS, some researchers suggest that genetics might play a role. Other researchers theorize that the effects of marijuana can change with chronic use.
What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
The true elimination plasma half-life of THC has been difficult to calculate, but several studies have estimated it to be in the range of 20–30 hours 20. THC is excreted mainly as acid metabolites, with 60–85% cleared through the feces and 20–35% in the urine 20,21. Sativa is widely distributed in our country, occurring in seven of the nine provinces; var. Sativa is available on the market, and it can be assumed they smoked the var.
The leading cause of marijuana-related ER visits is called CHS or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. What is CHS?
- Patients present with recurrent episodes of nausea, vomiting, and dehydration with frequent visits to the emergency department.
- On the flip side, if you keep consuming cannabis, the syndrome often returns, and the cycle continues.
- In animal studies mice lacking CB1 receptors demonstrate enhancement in circadian HPA axis activity peaks and impairment in glucocorticoid feedback 39.
Five patients agreed to work with the addiction team and discontinued the use of marijuana, but 2 patients refused and resisted the notion that they should give up marijuana 130. And while the myth of nonaddictive cannabis persists, quitting cold turkey from regular use can cause symptoms like anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and loss of appetite. Initial symptoms are feeling sick to the stomach, belly pain and the feeling like you may throw up. After about years of chronic marijuana use, patients begin to have a strong feeling of sickness, throwing up, and belly pain. This is normally when people go see a doctor to find out what is causing these problems. They start to feel better when they stop using marijuana but can feel bad if they use it again.
- As CHS is a newly described condition, many doctors may find it challenging to diagnose and treat.
- Treating CHS involves stopping all marijuana use and may require hospital-based care if someone becomes severely dehydrated.
- Studies indicate that when patients trust their physicians, they are more likely to disclose sensitive health-related behaviors and adhere to medical recommendations 107.
Also, frequent use—such as smoking or consuming cannabis products at least alcoholism symptoms once a week—often places individuals at a higher risk compared to more sporadic users. A typical person diagnosed with CHS might have smoked or ingested marijuana for about 19 years. Many only get a correct diagnosis after making multiple emergency room visits for unstoppable vomiting. It’s worth noting that you don’t always need that full 19-year timeline, as some people can develop CHS sooner, especially if they’re using especially potent cannabis or consuming it in large amounts. Many individuals either avoid seeking medical help or don’t mention their marijuana use during a doctor’s visit. In one 2018 study, a group of researchers surveyed 2,127 U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 49 at an emergency department in New York.