Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): Understanding an Emerging Public Health Challenge

This webinar provided an overview of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a constellation of intractable vomiting, abdominal pain, and hot bathing behavior that solely occurs in the context of certain heavy chronic use of THC-predominant cannabis, including synthetic cannabinoids. Whereas multiple etiological theories of its causation have been advanced (e.g., pesticide or neem exposure), these have been largely debunked. CHS is associated with frequent emergency department visits with high associated expense (about $90K USD). Considerable morbidity and even some fatalities have been reported. The definitive treatment is abstention from cannabis usage, but parenteral haloperidol and cutaneous application of capsaicin ointment can provide symptomatic relief. In this session, you will learn what CHS is, understand its pathophysiology and evidence for a genetic predisposition, learn how to differentiate CHS from cyclic vomiting syndrome and other differential diagnoses, and debunk spurious theories of CHS origins that are without scientific support.