Since the legalization of marijuana, those familiar (and some unfamiliar) with the herb have taken a trip or two to the dispensary to get a huff of the flower. However, some of the excitement that came with the legalization of marijuana quickly became a real downer. Here’s the reason why…
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome – Ke-na-be-noid hahy-per-em-uh-sis sin-drohm
Just as millions are celebrating the legalization of marijuana in many cities and states across America, a newly discovered condition known as CHS, or Cannabinoid Hyperemeses Syndrome, is now coming to light and experts say cases are growing exponentially. It is thought to affect mostly heavy cannabis users. Why has CHS become a problem in recent years? Studies suggest it might be because marijuana strains produced today are much stronger ever before and now that it is legal, people of all ages are consuming it in record numbers, too.
Current studies show it is possible that about 2.75 million Americans may suffer from CHS.
What is CHS?
The recognized hallmarks of the condition are heavy, consistent marijuana use followed by violent vomiting and nausea. Initially believed to be very rare, CHS has increasingly cropped up in medical journals and emergency rooms (ERs) around the world. There is no known cure. The only long-lasting treatment is quitting cannabis completely.
Sufferers seem to share a tendency to use extremely hot baths or showers to find temporary relief. Vomiting can be very severe and leave CHS patients extremely dehydrated. Because cannabis is usually known to help keep nausea and vomiting at bay, some medical marijuana users may mistakenly consume even more cannabis once symptoms of CHS present themselves. This greatly increases the discomfort and possible danger of not knowing you have it.
One reason doctors and researchers say they want more people to know about CHS is that with more states legalizing marijuana, more adults of all ages are now regularly using it in more forms than ever before. What that means is that more cases of it are beginning to crop up and emergency rooms are now seeing more patients seeking relief.
Unfortunately, there are many health professionals still unaware of what it is or the dangers associated with it. Infrequent or short-term use of cannabis typically does not trigger CHS. Prolonged or intense stimulation of the endocannabinoid system (with daily use and/or high potency products) is far more likely to trigger CHS.
Cannabis isn’t one drug. It is a plant with hundreds of compounds. Each of them could have a unique effect on our health. We are only just beginning to scratch the surface of what those effects look like because the drug has widely been used illegally for decades, experts say.