HYPEREMESIS SYNDROME CANNABINOID (SHC)

"IF YOU USE CANNABIS DAILY, THIS TOPIC WILL INTEREST YOU"

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) causes episodes of intense nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in people who consume cannabis regularly for years.

It is usually relieved with hot showers, but it returns if you continue consuming.

HOW FREQUENT IS IT?

Data is limited, but in surveys of frequent users, between 1% and 6% report symptoms consistent with hemoglobin A2 syndrome (HAS). In emergency rooms, among frequent users presenting with vomiting, up to 1 in 3 meet the criteria for HAS. The risk increases with daily use, high-THC products, and several years of use.

KEY SIGNALS

• Cyclic vomiting that lasts for hours or days.

• Severe abdominal pain.

• Hot showers or baths that provide temporary relief.

• Frequent and prolonged consumption.

• The symptoms disappear when you stop using cannabis and return if you start using it again.

  
  

PHASES

• Prodromal phase: morning sickness, abdominal discomfort, fear of vomiting. Many people increase their intake seeking relief and their condition worsens.

• Hyperemetic: severe vomiting, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Sometimes you need medical attention.

• Recovery: improvement after discontinuing cannabis. If you resume, symptoms reappear.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

There is no specific test. The diagnosis is based on your history, your symptoms, and ruling out other causes of vomiting.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT SHC?

• Stop using cannabis; it's the most effective measure, and most people get better within days or weeks.

• Stay hydrated. If you can't tolerate liquids or experience dizziness, dry lips, or decreased urination, seek medical attention. In the emergency room, they can administer IV fluids and antiemetics. Ask about non-opioid pain management.

• Take a hot shower or use warm compresses for temporary relief. Some people report relief with capsaicin cream on the abdomen, in low concentrations. Consult a doctor before applying it if you have

• sensitive skin.

WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?

Chronic use can dysregulate the endocannabinoid system, then the receptors

CB1 receptors in the brain and digestive tract lose sensitivity, disrupting the control of nausea and vomiting. Hot water activates TRPV1 receptors in the skin and temporarily modulates the nausea signal. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their spiciness, acts on the same pathway.

PRACTICAL PREVENTION

Evaluate your frequency; if you use it daily, take breaks.

Schedule sessions. Avoid high-THC concentrates and long sessions. Pay attention to your mornings; if you experience nausea upon waking that improves with a hot shower, it's a warning sign. Keep a record of your symptoms and consumption. Make data-driven decisions, and if you've already had an episode and know it's HCS, don't use again. Relapse is common.

QUICK SELF-ASSESSMENT

Do you have repeated vomiting with no clear cause?

Does hot water relieve your discomfort?

Do you consume cannabis daily or almost daily, and have you been doing so for years?

Did you improve when you stopped and relapse when you resumed?

WHEN TO SEEK HELP?

If vomiting lasts more than a day and you have signs of dehydration, blood in your vomit, fever, or severe pain, it's important to know that congestive heart syndrome (CHS) can be confused with other conditions that require medical attention. If you suffer from reflux or gastritis, you might also mistake it for CHS. Remember, I want what's best for you, so if you have any concerns, it's best to get checked out.

QUESTIONS FOR YOU

What are you looking for today when you consume and feel that it's costing you something in return?

If you have these afflictions, could you try a month without cannabis to see how your body responds?

Do you have a plan if nausea or vomiting occurs?

Have you talked about this with your close circle so they can support you if you need to stop?

Mindful consumption also means recognizing when your body is telling you to stop, take a break, or limit your consumption. Your health comes first.

If you need help or just want to talk, you can message me on Instagram @mrsenskin . See you on the road.

Mr. Sens

EDITOR IN CHIEF

@mrsenskin