Chronic cannabis users suffer brutal side effect ‘scromiting’; Here’s why it’s a rising concern

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is a severe disorder that brings about strong nausea, intense stomach pain, and repeated vomiting. (Picture Credit: Canva)

Cases of chronic cannabis users showing up at the ER (Emergency Room) with abrupt, severe bouts of nausea and abdominal pain have increased in the United States in recent years, leaving both patients and staff confused. The mysterious illness has recently been recognised by the World Health Organization and added to the diagnostic manual. It has also been assigned a specific code for the first time and is now formally adopted by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

What is scromiting?

Scromiting is a term derived from combining the words screaming and vomiting, which is experienced by chronic cannabis users. Known as cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) in medical terms, it is a severe disorder that brings about strong nausea, intense stomach pain, and repeated vomiting. The symptoms surface within 24 hours of cannabis consumption and can painfully last for days.

Prolonged use of cannabis linked to CHS

In a study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine this year, George Washington University researchers said long-term use of cannabis is linked to CHS, which causes frequent vomiting, abrupt abdominal pain, nausea, and more, often leading to multiple trips to the hospital.

Andrew Meltzer, the lead author of the study and professor of emergency medicine at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences, said, “This is one of the first large studies to examine the burden of disease associated with this cannabis-linked syndrome. Our findings suggest that cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome could represent a costly and largely hidden public health problem.”

Increase in number of ER cases

The study surveyed 1,052 people suffering from CHS in an attempt to understand risk factors. They found that early use of cannabis was linked to higher chances of emergency department visits. Daily consumption and long-term use were also common, as 44% of patients reported using cannabis for more than five years before the sudden symptoms.

This rising ER trend is not limited to adults, as research shows that ER visits among adolescents in the US have also increased tenfold from 2016 to 2023.

According to experts, the dedicated code assigned for CHS patients will help give a clear picture to researchers as well as medical staff to keep a record of repeat episodes during future visits.

Meanwhile, Meltzer emphasised the need for medical providers to make patients with CHS aware of the cause of their condition, the frequent and prolonged use of cannabis, since many remain clueless. They should provide assistance with resources that can help them quit its use.