Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Cases Have Risen
Emergency room visits for the condition are increasing as awareness of the syndrome remains low among the public.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Substance Abuse
Live Poll
Do you feel adequately informed about the potential health risks associated with marijuana use?
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, a condition marked by extreme nausea and vomiting, has seen a sharp increase in emergency room cases nationwide. Medical professionals report that the syndrome is increasingly linked to the use of high-potency marijuana products.
Why it matters
The rise in cases coincides with the widespread legalization of marijuana, yet many in the healthcare sector and the general public remain unaware of the syndrome. Since there is no known cure, increased education is critical to managing the condition.
One-third of frequent marijuana users visiting emergency rooms meet the criteria for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. The condition causes extreme nausea, vomiting, and digestive pain, with no known cure available to patients.
The players
Marlon Crumedy
He is the founder of The CHS Truth Project, an organization established to provide public education regarding the risks of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
This federal agency tracks public health data and has reported a sharp increase in emergency room presentations for the syndrome.
The details
Patients frequently use hot baths or showers to find temporary relief from severe digestive pain and vomiting. Stopping marijuana use entirely is the only known method to cease the symptoms, though medical experts expect the number of cases to continue rising.
Timeline
Marlon Crumedy first experienced symptoms in the 1990s.
Marlon Crumedy stopped using marijuana in late 2025.
The Big Picture
The rise of this syndrome mirrors the initial knowledge gap observed during the 2003 SARS response protocols, where clinicians struggled to identify a new threat. This story follows a pattern set by that event where clinical diagnostic criteria must catch up to a rapid increase in symptomatic cases.
Frequent marijuana users experiencing persistent nausea or vomiting should seek professional medical advice. Patients are encouraged to be transparent with clinicians about their usage habits, as this information is essential for accurate diagnosis.
The takeaway
Because there is no medical cure for the syndrome, abstinence from marijuana is currently the only effective way to prevent recurring episodes. Recognizing the symptoms early can prevent unnecessary emergency room visits and help manage severe digestive pain.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving trends in public health on our Substance Abuse page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 5 Cleveland WEWS.
Live Poll
Do you feel adequately informed about the potential health risks associated with marijuana use?
