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Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
Are you an avid Cannabis user? Do you find yourself getting sick or even feeling ill after having a puff of what once made all your “troubles” go away?
If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of CHS, Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome is a condition leading to severe and rapidly repeated vomiting. Strangely enough, this health issue is only common in frequent Cannabis users, and will rarely ever affect a beginner smoker. Brought to medical attention only in 2004, CHS has been an overlooked diagnosis within this health area.
Cannabinoid receptors called CB1, are found in the brain and gastrointestinal tract, where cannabis molecules attach themselves. When experiencing CHS, the receptors binding to the Cannabis molecules can become more active, shut down and or altered, resulting in a variety of symptoms from stomach discomfort, to intense vomiting and nausea. These symptoms can last anywhere from days, to even months.
In the past few weeks, I’ve heard many things coming up about “cannabis health issues”, and this one in particular had been showing up more frequently than others. I even saw a video made about it on TikTok! But, when I was told that one of my childhood friends had been diagnosed with CHS, I knew that I had to jump on this, and speak with her about the subject.
Zack: Here with me I have Paige Grace, a childhood friend of mine growing up as kids! Not to mention, an amazing creator making beautiful Jewelry for her small business, Gingerbread Gems. Paige, tell us a little bit about yourself!
Paige: My name is Paige Grace, and I started Gingerbread Gems during summer 2020, after picking up jewelry making as a hobby during the pandemic. Not long after starting to make jewelry, I began receiving compliments on my creations, and so Gingerbread Gems was born. I first began selling to friends and family, but then created my Instagram to reach a bigger audience. Gingerbread Gems really helped me to focus on something other than the pandemic and the fact that I could no longer smoke my favorite herb. (Check out Gingerbread Gems on Instagram @gingerbreadgems) Find her here/ https://www.instagram.com/gingerbreadgems/
Zack: How long have you been a Cannabis user?
Paige: Over a decade. I started smoking cannabis when I was in middle school but never became a daily user until I was in University.
Zack: How did you first find out about Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?
Paige: I found out about CHS while I was in the emergency room for a CHS episode. I was on an IV drip because my fluids were so low after puking for literally over a week and a half at that point. The doctor asked me if I had ever heard of it and I said no but once they explained the causes and symptoms I realized that must be what I had.
Zack: Do you know what may have caused it?
Paige: Smoking weed, man! Unfortunately, THC stores itself in the body and for some people it makes them sick. I just am one of those unlucky people.
Zack: How does having CHS affect your everyday life?
Paige: Well for a while, before I knew what I had and stopped smoking, it affected my daily life in a huge way. I had to set aside time every morning for my puking episodes so I wouldn’t be late. And sometimes, the intense anxiety that came with them would cause me to not go to work that day. It definitely impacted my job as well as my social life.
Zack: Can you use any Cannabis products at all? If so which products do you use?
Paige: Not that I know of. Even smoking here and there has triggered an episode so I avoid it altogether now.
Zack: When first diagnosed, did you find it hard to actually find information about CHS?
Paige: Yes and no. Before I knew what I had and I was just googling symptoms, CHS never showed up. But once I knew what I had and googled it, there were articles and firsthand experiences to help me. The subreddit for CHS was a godsend during an episode.
Zack: If you have a CHS “fit”, how long does it usually take to subside?
Paige: Anywhere from days to weeks. The longest CHS episode I experienced was one of my first. I was down for about 3 weeks. Absolutely miserable. Puking, feeling tired and hungry but unable to eat or sleep. Eventually I ended up in the ER because I couldn’t take it, I thought I was dying.
Zack: Being that you have now been diagnosed and living life without cannabis, is there any tips that you would like to give to anyone out who may be experiencing the same issue?
Paige: Stop smoking! I know it may seem obvious but it can be hard to do when you are used to wake and bake and smoking before social events. It can be really hard to stop even though you know it makes you sick. The social aspect especially. If you are in an episode you are going to want to take a lot of hot baths, I don’t know why but you are. And you’re not going to be able to eat or drink without Gravol or something. They gave me metoclopramide at the hospital and it definitely helps.
Meet Zac Drost, Author of this piece.
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