cream to the stomach or even using Haldol, a medication typically reserved for treating psychotic episodes.
“That’s something that can clinch the diagnosis for me, when someone says they’re better with a hot shower,” Buresh said.
“Patients describe going through all the hot water in their house.”
Who’s at Risk?
Even after symptoms subside, CHS can return if cannabis use continues. Stopping cannabis use is the only way to fully resolve the condition.
Carlini warns:
“Because the syndrome strikes intermittently, some cannabis users assume a recent episode was unrelated and continue using—only to become severely ill again.”
Long-term recovery often depends on completely quitting cannabis, although addiction can make abstinence a challenge.
Scientists are still unsure why CHS affects some users and not others.
The leading theory suggests that overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system disrupts the body’s natural regulation of nausea and vomiting.
Dr. Buresh adds:
“It seems like there’s a threshold when people can become vulnerable to this condition, and that threshold is different for everyone. Even using in small amounts can make these people start throwing up.”
A study from George Washington University surveyed more than 1,000 CHS patients, finding that early and prolonged cannabis use is
