‘Scromiting’ Cases Surge Among Long-Term Cannabis Users

Doctors Warn Of Growing Cases Of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome

‘Scromiting’, a slang combination for ‘screaming’ and ‘vomiting’, is an informal term for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition that leads to severe and repeated episodes of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Patients are in such severe pain that it leads them to scream or cry out as they move through a cycle of these painful episodes.

Emergency departments nationwide are reporting sharp spikes in the number of CHS cases they are seeing in heavy marijuana users, with concern for the growing number of teenagers being diagnosed.

Dangers Of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome

Most marijuana-related conditions are described as uncomfortable but not dangerous. However, physicians warn that this is not the case with CHS. While CHS is not usually fatal, its complications can be. Emergency departments are increasingly reporting patients arriving with critical dehydration so severe that they need IV fluids and critical care.

Other dangerous complications of CHS include:

• Severe electrolyte imbalance, which can trigger heart arrhythmias
• Acute kidney injury due to prolonged dehydration, with severe cases leading to kidney failure
• Esophageal tears due to violent vomiting

Due to these dangerous aspects, doctors urge the public to take CHS symptoms seriously and stop cannabis use immediately when symptoms arise.

Signs And Symptoms Of CHS

CHS occurs in habitual, long-term marijuana users. While more research is needed to identify the exact cause, clinicians report that the syndrome appears to be linked to long-term overstimulation of the body’s endocannabinoid system, leading to disruption of gastrointestinal function. In short, it affects the body’s ability to control nausea and vomiting.

CHS is broken up into three stages:

• Prodromal Phase: This phase can last for months or years and is typically most common in adults who have used cannabis for years. In this phase, people may experience abdominal pain and morning nausea but may never actually vomit.
• Hyperemetic Phase: This is the main phase seen in CHS cases. It usually lasts between 24 and 48 hours and involves intense waves of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. People may experience dehydration and be unable to keep down food or water.
• Recovery Phase: In this phase, cannabis use is completely stopped, and symptoms start to resolve over a few days or months. They will eventually disappear but will reappear if cannabis is used again.

Many people remain unaware of their condition until it becomes unbearable, leading to repeated emergency room visits.

Common CHS symptoms seen in emergency room patients include:

• Severe nausea
• Repeated vomiting, sometimes multiple times per hour
• Stomach pain and cramping
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

Another recognizable sign of CHS is actually a relief method. Many people suffering from the condition find relief by taking hot-water baths or showers, up to multiple times a day, which provide momentary comfort and distraction from the painful symptoms. Doctors think that activating the temperature-sensitive receptors in the skin may temporarily counteract the disrupted signaling caused by cannabinoids, giving patients momentary comfort.

The Growing Increase In CHS Cases And What’s Being Done

While many aspects of the condition and its cause require further research, it is well documented that CHS cases are on the rise. Recent studies have pinpointed two potential causes: an increase in cannabis accessibility and potency. Marijuana potency has significantly increased over time due to selective breeding and advanced cultivation methods, leading to higher concentrations of THC, its main psychoactive compound.

While average THC levels in the 1990s were around 4%, they have climbed to nearly 20% in recent years, with highly concentrated products containing 70-95% THC. A study published in 2025 tracked data from 2016 to 2022 and found that CHS-related cases increased steadily as cannabis potency and availability grew, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This widespread availability is particularly affecting the teenage population. A cross-sectional study of adolescents (aged 13-21) found that from 2016 to 2023, there were 4,571 documented cases of CHS, with patients’ median age of 17 years. Overall, teenage emergency room visits for CHS increased, particularly in areas that had legalized recreational marijuana.

In response to this alarming trend, medical authorities introduced a diagnostic code for CHS in October 2025. This is intended to help improve tracking and research opportunities, with the hope that standardized documentation will lead to earlier recognition, diagnosis, and counseling.

Currently, the only known treatment for CHS is the cessation of marijuana use, with symptoms disappearing over time. IV fluid and anti-nausea medications may be administered in the hospital to stabilize the patient and provide temporary relief, but symptoms will return if marijuana use resumes. The only way to permanently stop the symptoms is to stop marijuana use.

Long-Term Health Effects Of Marijuana Use

The increase in CHS cases highlights the well-documented health risks of chronic marijuana use, particularly for adolescents and heavy users. Long-term marijuana use has been associated with:

• Cognitive impairment
• Memory loss
• Worsening mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression
• Dependence and withdrawal symptoms
• Negative effects on attention, learning, and reaction times
• Respiratory irritation from smoking marijuana

Clinicians stress that while not all frequent marijuana users will develop CHS, the condition highlights a need for more public awareness, and high-potency cannabis products are becoming more common.

Treatment For Marijuana Addiction

For chronic marijuana users who are interested in lowering their risk of developing CHS and are looking to quit, treatment methods include:

• Behavioral therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational enhancement therapy.
• Addiction counseling and outpatient treatment programs
• Support groups
• Mental health treatment for any co-occurring disorders, like trauma, depression, or anxiety

Fortunately, there are many treatment options for marijuana misuse, lowering a person’s risk of developing CHS. If you’re ready to learn more, explore your online therapy options or visit our rehab directory today to get started.

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