A recent review has explored numerous potential explanations regarding various pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors of the cannabinoids 72. The cannabis plant contains over four hundred different chemicals, with sixty possessing cannabinoid structures 76. The pro-emetic effects of two of these cannabinoids, CBD and CBG, have been discussed in this review and could conceivably play a role in the development of CHS. Additional pharmacological research is needed regarding the pro-emetic effects of additional cannabinoids and their metabolites.
- Abdominal X-rays and head CT scans may also be needed to confirm a CHS diagnosis.
- It’s helpful to volunteer your history of cannabis use with your provider if you are not asked about it.
- It’s a condition that can lead to serious health complications if you don’t get treatment for it.
- THC-COOH, in contrast, is a non-psychotropic metabolite that possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties 26.
- By learning about cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, individuals can make more informed choices regarding their marijuana use.
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Risk Factors for Developing Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
- Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of CHS do not currently exist.
- The pro-emetic effects of two of these cannabinoids, CBD and CBG, have been discussed in this review and could conceivably play a role in the development of CHS.
- The first reports came from doctors treating regular users of marijuana for nausea and vomiting in South Australia.
- If you need help quitting, speak to a healthcare provider or connect with your local addiction treatment services.
- (Recreational use and sale of cannabis in Canada was legalized starting in 2018).
- It manifests through recurrent episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Marijuana is addictive, with up to 30% of those using the drug having some degree of marijuana use disorder. Long-term, chronic marijuana use can lead to multiple health complications, including cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Many do not know of this syndrome and are surprised when they begin experiencing adverse symptoms due to their chronic use. By learning about cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, individuals can make more informed choices regarding their marijuana use. Changes to the endocannabinoid system in the hypothalamus from cannabinoid use could lead to a dysregulated stress response, and perhaps contribute to the development of CHS. 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.
Living With Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
- In this context a comprehensive history along with initial screening tests should be performed to exclude acute conditions and emergencies (e.g pancreatobiliary disease, intestinal obstruction, pregnancy, etc).
- The hyperemetic phase of CHS typically lasts for only 24–48 hours 6, but the risk for relapse is high if the patient returns to cannabis use.
- While medications may help reduce nausea, vomiting, and belly pain, only the cessation of marijuana will stop symptoms from returning.
- Confusion exists in the medical literature secondary to a failure to recognize chronic marijuana use as a source of vomiting.
- The prodromal stage can last for a long time, in some cases for a couple of weeks, months, and even years.
Unfortunately, people tend to consume cannabis for years and become chronic users before the CHS develops. That’s because the development of the syndrome takes a lot of time. It is often described as a syndrome that affects only a small portion of people who are heavy, chronic cannabis users. However, research suggests that it could be far more prevalent and may continue to increase due to factors like the legalization of marijuana and the increased use of medical marijuana. It remains unknown how changes to the endocannabinoid system could lead to the development of CHS and more empirical research is needed to identify the mechanism. First, doctors treating people with CHS advise them to stop using marijuana.
Food Recommendations while in the Hyperemetic phase:
At low doses, the effect of cannabis on your brain can have an antiemetic effect that suppresses nausea and vomiting. However, with repeated use in some people, it can have the opposite effect on the digestive tract. This results in the persistent vomiting and nausea characteristic of CHS. Cannabinoids are compounds in the Cannabis sativa plant that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your brain, spinal cord, gastrointestinal tract and other body tissues. Examples of cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Although rare, the condition has become more prevalent as more states legalize medical marijuana. The difficulty of marijuana addiction is more psychological than physical. Marijuana withdrawal symptoms like severe anxiety, depression, irritability, and agitation often force the addicted individual to get immediate relief by relapsing—but there is help. With evidence-based psychotherapy techniques and what are the 3 stages of chs medications to reduce anxiety and depression, you can overcome a marijuana problem and avoid CHS.
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Call us today at to learn about your treatment options and to take the first step onto the road to recovery. Since its symptoms are easily confused with other conditions, it can take about one to two years before people who seek medical help with CHS get an accurate diagnosis. While it is possible to return to feeling normal during the recovery phase, research indicates that symptoms recur if cannabis use resumes. In one study of frequent cannabis users with potential CHS symptoms, 33% of participants met the definition of CHS. When expanded to the general U.S. population, research indicates that about 2.75 million Americans annually may experience CHS.
If you’re interested, reach out to a mental health professional like a licensed psychologist or therapist. It’s a serious medical problem that can cause major health issues if you leave it untreated. If you have any symptoms of severe dehydration, like dizziness, confusion and a rapid heartbeat, call 911 right away. While symptoms begin as mild, they can intensify and increase your risk of severe problems.
The Endogenous Cannabinoids (Endocannabinoids)
- Along with the discovery of the CB1 and CB2 receptors has been the identification of endogenous arachidonic acid derivatives that bind to these receptors (Figure 1).
- Endocannabinoids are thought to act as either neuromodulators or neurotransmitters 11.
- They later learned this was a type of “learned” behavior due to the ability of hot water to lessen the severity of nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
The abdominal pain often intensifies during this period, and vomiting may occur every few hours, leading to significant dehydration and weight loss. People with CHS frequently report that hot showers or baths help alleviate symptoms, a unique behavior that can aid in diagnosing the syndrome. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) https://ecosoberhouse.com/ happens when you have cycles of nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain after using cannabis (marijuana) for a long time.
Researchers haven’t yet discovered why long-term marijuana use causes the brain’s endocannabinoid system to stop responding to pot’s anti-emetic effects. They speculate that some cannabis users may develop cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome when receptors in the brain and gastrointestinal system inexplicably experience a “glitch” in the way they signal each other. This glitch is why pot smokers with CHS suffer episodic and sometimes severe bouts of nausea what is Oxford House and vomiting.
A 2017 report published in the journal German Medical Science showed that 60 percent of people with the disorder reported that hot bathing reduced CHS symptoms. Without proper treatment, you could be at risk of numerous health problems. These include, but are not limited to, dehydration, malnutrition, esophagitis, tooth decay, electrolyte imbalances, and Mallory-Weiss syndrome. In some cases, death has occurred as a result of hyponatremic dehydration (low sodium levels). To avoid further health complications, you should see your doctor immediately if you are a heavy smoker and experience severe nausea and vomiting. Be forthcoming about your marijuana use, as you may be misdiagnosed, leading to further problems.