These genes impact the TRPV1 receptor, dopamine receptors, and the enzyme CYP2C9 (which is responsible for metabolising THC in the liver). Each of these genes impact some aspect of cannabinoid metabolism or CHS symptomatology—suggesting that this isn’t a coincidence. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome chs was first described in 2004, so there is limited research into the condition. This level of overstimulation may occur as a result of prolonged, chronic cannabis use. Anti-nausea drugs may provide short-term relief but aren’t always effective for CHS.

CHS typically progresses through three stages:

One study looking at Reddit posts on the subject found that spicy food, greasy food, coffee, black tea, and Sobriety alcohol were frequently mentioned as CHS triggers. These foods/beverages are mostly acidic, but relationships between them and CHS have not been studied scientifically, although the co-use of weed and alcohol is well-known, the study authors said. Researchers are currently studying several treatment options to manage the hyperemetic phase of CHS. The only known treatment for CHS is to stop using cannabis entirely. There is probably a genetic component; so most people might never get CHS even with heavy use, and some might be more susceptible.

Why would cannabis cause the symptoms that characterize CHS?

The prodromal phase4,17 can last for months or years, with patients developing early morning nausea, a fear of vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. Symptoms are most common in early middle-aged adults who have consistently been using cannabis since adolescence. Unlike anorexia nervosa or bulimia, these patients maintain normal eating patterns in this stage. They may increase their use of cannabis due to their belief in its beneficial effects in nausea relief.

Cannabinoids and the Digestive System

Instead of alleviating nausea, cannabis may end up causing cycles of severe vomiting and https://ecosoberhouse.com/ discomfort. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a rare condition that develops in people who use cannabis frequently over a period of several years. The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but researchers believe the extreme heat from hot water affects the hypothalamus—the brain region that regulates both temperature and vomiting.

• You may need to see a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in the digestive tract, for a proper diagnosis.
• After about years of chronic marijuana use, patients begin to have a strong feeling of sickness, throwing up, and belly pain.
• The primary symptoms of CHS — cyclic abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting — are not unique to this condition, making CHS hard to diagnose.
• Importantly, the patient must be a (usually frequent) cannabis user during this time for the CHS diagnosis to fit.
• Researchers aren’t sure exactly why weed causes CHS symptoms only in some people.

Phase 3: Recovery Phase

• “It’s the best medication that helps her sleep for the last five years. So why would I stop that medication? She has no adverse effects, there’s no complications,” he said.
• The three stages of CHS are the prodromal phase of CHS, the hyperemetic phase of CHS, and the recovery phase of CHS.
• Regina recalled that, for several weeks, everything was ok, until October 2018 when Brian’s CHS episodes returned.

The first four days are often the worst, with withdrawal symptoms (more below) exacerbating CHS. Around days 5-7, daily routines may resume, though prodromal symptoms may persist. By the two-week mark, many report feeling better, and a month into sobriety, most symptoms subside. Note that you’ll probably be experiencing some CHS symptoms, and some cannabis withdrawal symptoms at the same time for a while. It manifests as prolongedperiods of violent nausea and vomiting which last one or more days per week. Based on published case reports of CHS, lorazepam could be considered as an agent of choice in the management of the acute hyperemetic phase of CHS to relieve symptoms of nausea and vomiting (Table 1).