New Study Reveals Link Between Vaping Cannabis and Faster Onset of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
A recent study has found that using cannabis vape cartridges may lead to the development of symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) at a faster rate compared to smoking marijuana. CHS is a condition that causes recurring episodes of severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting in some long-term chronic cannabis users.
The study, published in Sage Journals, surveyed over 1,000 participants suspected of having or diagnosed with CHS. Researchers found that individuals who exclusively vaped cannabis reported developing symptoms of CHS sooner than those who exclusively smoked marijuana. Additionally, those who vaped cannabis were found to smoke more frequently than those who smoked marijuana.
The study also revealed that 96% of participants reported using cannabis daily, with 45% using it six or more times a day around the time they started experiencing CHS symptoms. This supports the theory that long-term, frequent use of cannabis contributes to the development of CHS.
Interestingly, the study found that women experienced more severe and longer-lasting symptoms of CHS than men.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is becoming an increasingly common concern for doctors, with an estimated 2.75 million people affected annually in the United States. Hospital visits for the condition have doubled between 2017 and 2021, according to JAMA. In Virginia, emergency department visits linked to CHS have increased by nearly 29% over a five-year period, according to data from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association.
The findings of this study highlight the importance of educating the public about the potential risks associated with vaping cannabis and the importance of responsible use of the drug.
