A friend recently confided in me about her daily struggles with anxiety. After a long day of work, preparing dinner, and putting her two young children to bed, she often finds herself consumed by worries about unfinished tasks. Living in California, where recreational cannabis is legal, I suggested she unwind with a few puffs after the kids drift off to sleep.
“I can’t do that,” she replied. “Smoking makes me feel nauseous.”
She explained that every time she has tried marijuana, it has resulted in an uncomfortable wave of queasiness, far from the relaxation she seeks. Just like food intolerances, such as lactose or gluten, it is entirely possible to be intolerant to cannabis itself.
Recent research from New York University Langone Medical Center highlights a troubling condition known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). This syndrome can cause severe nausea, abdominal pain, and uncontrollable vomiting, making it a significant drawback for some cannabis users.
This is particularly disheartening given the potential benefits of cannabis, which include alleviating nausea, anxiety, and pain. With the legalization of recreational marijuana in nine states plus Washington, D.C., its use for stress relief and enjoyment is on the rise. In addition, medical marijuana is accessible in 29 states, offering therapeutic advantages to many. Yet, for those suffering from CHS, cannabis may feel more like a curse than a blessing.
An article from Business Insider recounts the experience of a patient who endured years of acute nausea and vomiting, finding relief only in hot baths—so much so that she suffered burns before finally seeking medical attention. After a diagnosis of CHS, she learned that she was not alone; researchers are discovering that this condition may be more prevalent than previously recognized.
The latest study, published in Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, analyzed thousands of adults in a New York City emergency room. Among those who used cannabis 20 days or more each month, 32.9% exhibited symptoms of CHS. Lead author Joseph Habboushe estimates that approximately 2.75 million American adults might be grappling with this syndrome, often without realizing that their discomfort stems from cannabis use.
Despite the long history of marijuana consumption, the medical community has been slow to investigate both its benefits and its adverse effects. The ongoing classification of marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug has hindered research, limiting our understanding of its interactions with the body.
For individuals affected by CHS, the only reliable remedy is to cease cannabis use entirely. Though temporary relief may be found in hot baths, like the patient who suffered burns, this approach can lead to further complications. “Most anti-nausea medications are ineffective,” Habboushe notes. “The only solution is to stop using cannabis, but many patients relapse, leading to a recurrence of symptoms.”
Further investigation is essential to uncover the mechanisms behind CHS and why it affects some individuals while sparing others. It remains unclear which specific compounds within cannabis may trigger this syndrome or if certain strains are more likely to induce symptoms.
For those who cherish cannabis for its calming and pain-relieving properties, it’s crucial to acknowledge that some individuals may experience adverse reactions. Understanding these side effects is vital to ensuring that users can still enjoy the positive effects of cannabis. Until more comprehensive studies are conducted, those who feel nauseous after using cannabis should refrain from smoking and avoid extreme measures like hot baths.
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In summary, while cannabis offers numerous advantages, it can also lead to severe side effects like Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome for some users. Ongoing research is needed to fully understand this condition and its implications. Until then, it’s important for users to be aware of their bodies and seek alternatives if they experience adverse reactions.