A recent study by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that frequent cannabis use is leading to a surge in emergency room visits among young people, particularly teenagers and young adults, due to severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The study, which analyzed data from 199,565 emergency department visits between January 2023 and May 2026, identified a condition known as cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). CHS is characterized by repeated episodes of intense nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which can lead to dehydration and other complications.
The study found that the introduction of a new diagnosis code for CHS in October 2025 led to a significant increase in reported cases, jumping from 3.35 per 10,000 emergency visits to 11.26 per 10,000 in the following month. However, researchers caution that this increase is likely due to better recognition and reporting rather than an actual surge in the condition.
The data showed that the highest proportion of CHS-related emergency visits were among patients aged 15-24, with females making up a higher proportion of cases than males. The researchers suggest that this may be due to earlier and more frequent use of cannabis products, particularly those containing THC.
CHS can be challenging to diagnose as its symptoms overlap with other conditions, but warning signs include nausea, uncontrollable vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. Some patients have reported temporary relief from hot showers or baths. Stopping cannabis use completely is considered the key step in preventing repeated episodes of CHS.
Frequent cannabis use can also lead to other side effects, including impaired memory, attention, and coordination, as well as increased heart rate and blood pressure. It can also increase the risk of cannabis use disorder, mental health problems, and harm to the developing brain, particularly when used during adolescence.
