While cannabis is widely recognized for its therapeutic benefits, including its antiemetic (anti-nausea) properties, CHS represents a unique and paradoxical response in a small subset of users. Understanding CHS can help individuals make informed decisions about their cannabis use and maintain their overall well-being. Neurological studies into why marijuana can treat nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients involve the brain’s endocannabinoid system. Home to millions of THC and CBD receptors, this system interacts with the “emetic nuclei” located in the brainstem. Scientists think cannabis interferes with emetic nuclei activity.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) and Marijuana Use
As a somewhat new problem, CHS is often mistaken for other problems with the same symptoms. When combined with the fact that people may not reveal they use cannabis, getting the right diagnosis can take years. Compulsive hot showering or bathing may be critical in distinguishing CHS from CVS and other conditions with similar symptoms. Studies show that between 90% to 100% of people with CHS use hot showering or bathing to relieve symptoms. Researchers have proposed that this behavior may be included in the diagnostic criteria for CHS. Since there are so many active chemicals in cannabis, the exact what are the 3 stages of chs cause of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is unknown.
CHS: Potentially a Dysfunctional Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoids are present in both the central nervous system 8 and enteric nervous system 15. Anandamide and 2-AG are released locally on demand by neurons, are present in small quantities, and undergo rapid inactivation 8. Endocannabinoids are thought to act as either neuromodulators or neurotransmitters 11. Anandamide and 2-AG possess similar biochemical structures, but each has a distinct pathway for biosynthesis and degradation.
- The only treatments available to people with CHS are those that restore hydration and help control nausea and vomiting.
- In clinical practice CHS is most often confused with cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS).
- The people who experienced the problems doctors treated were long-term cannabis users.
Conditions
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome is a rare but serious condition seen in people who use cannabis frequently over a prolonged period. First outlined in 2004, CHS remains a condition of uncertain etiology. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ CHS is becoming increasingly common in clinical settings as cannabis becomes more widely accessible for both medicinal and recreational use.
- This suggests that high doses of THC can lead to low levels of endocannabinoids within the hypothalamus, which may prevent inhibitory control of the HPA axis.
- Compulsive hot showering or bathing may be critical in distinguishing CHS from CVS and other conditions with similar symptoms.
- Despite this discomfort, many people continue to use cannabis because it can temporarily relieve their nausea.
- For many health care providers, diagnosing the syndrome can be pretty challenging and can take a lot of time and effort.
- It’s important to monitor for any recurrence of symptoms and consult with a healthcare provider before resuming use to ensure it’s safe.
Acute treatment is necessary to avoid dehydration, renal failure, and death, but long-term treatments need to emphasize that sustained abstinence is required to permanently cease symptoms. Education regarding the potential effects of long-term high doses of cannabinoids should be disseminated to physicians and the public to better detect and manage this debilitating syndrome. It is unclear, however, if this was due to an increase in cannabis use Sober living house or an increase in cannabis use reporting due to the increased acceptance and legalization of cannabis. Schreck et al.62 determined that the rate of reporting in France is similar to that reported in international literature.
What are the possible complications of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
They then regain weight and resume normal bathing and eating habits. This stage can last for days, weeks or months if no marijuana is used. One of the things that can make the diagnosis faster and a lot simpler is admitting the consumption of marijuana to the doctor. For many health care providers, diagnosing the syndrome can be pretty challenging and can take a lot of time and effort. The main reason for that is that the patient does not report and mention their use of cannabis. The first is called the prodromal phase, the second is hyperemetic, and the third is the recovery phase.
Given the ubiquitous nature of the endocannabinoid system, dysregulation of its normal functioning can have dramatic and potentially adverse outcomes. Figure 1 presents a schematic representation of factors that may contribute to CHS. Changes in the endocannabinoid system may lead to alterations in other systems that have the potential to promote nausea and vomiting. The impact of endocannabinoid system dysregulation on various neurobiological systems and their possible contribution to nausea and vomiting, and consequently CHS, are discussed in the following section. Prevalence of CHS among the general population is difficult to determine because of the clinical similarities between CHS and CVS.
Practice Loving your Gut with MNGI Digestive Health
- Many do not know of this syndrome and are surprised when they begin experiencing adverse symptoms due to their chronic use.
- Neurological studies into why marijuana can treat nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients involve the brain’s endocannabinoid system.
- In extreme cases, brain swelling, muscle spasms, heart rhythm abnormalities, shock or seizures can occur.
- If you or a loved one regularly uses cannabis and experiences unexplained nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, it may be time to consult a gastroenterologist.
- Some theorize that using cannabis strains rich in THC for an extended period of time increases a person’s risk for the disorder.
- Helga Green, an enthusiast and researcher in the cannabis field, contributes her expertise to the AskGrowers blog.
But too many of them may increase your risk for dehydration due to sweating. When you do this, your symptoms usually start to go away in few days to a few months. Over time, the symptoms will go away completely unless you start to use again. Despite the possible pharmacological and behavioral therapies, the only way to eliminate CHS is abstaining from cannabinoids.
Update on the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
It is sometimes thought, often from anecdotal reports in popular media, that CHS is a result of poisoning from contaminants such as pesticides on cannabis and not from the actual plant constituents themselves. Indeed, the symptoms of pesticide poisoning are different than the symptoms of CHS. In addition, since pesticides are not exclusive to cannabis, there would be many similar cases that would not be solved with cannabis abstinence. While pesticides can lead to adverse health problems, this is likely not the cause of CHS. Hot bathing has been shown to relieve abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting in people with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.
