The “New” Side Effect: Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)
Doctors are warning about a condition now being identified in some regular cannabis users: cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS).
CHS is associated with symptoms such as:
- Severe, repeated nausea
- Vomiting episodes
- Abdominal discomfort
Emergency medicine specialist Dr. Chris Buresh explained that many patients don’t initially connect their symptoms to cannabis use:
“Some people say they’ve used cannabis without a problem for decades. Or they smoke pot because they think it treats their nausea.”
But in some long-term or heavy users, the opposite can happen.
Dr. Buresh added:
“It seems like there’s a threshold when people can become vulnerable to this condition, and that threshold is different for everyone. Even using in small amounts can make these people start throwing up.”
As more cases of CHS are documented, it’s becoming part of the broader conversation around cannabis safety, especially as laws and public attitudes continue to shift.
With Trump signaling openness to reclassification — while also expressing concern about non-medical use — any federal reform effort is likely to weigh both the potential benefits and emerging risks like CHS.
