Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome

WOW, a great person to speak to Vomiter!

Sorry to read of what you have gone through, but it sounds very similar to CVS. You say you have looked into CVS, have you seen the thread on the message board?. Our CVS doctors dont think there is any links whatsoever between cannabis and CVS, here is a statement made only last month due to the bad press on these types of forums -

“Recently, there has been considerable controversy over the role of cannabis in these patients. While “cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome” has been touted as a new diagnosis, there does not appear to be sufficient data to implicate marijuana as a “cause” of CVS. In a recent review of 31 published cases, the average duration of marijuana use preceding onset of vomiting was just over 10 years; the long delay in presentation of symptoms following chronic marijuana use argues against cannabis being a cause for the vomiting. Also, long-term follow-up is lacking in case series of patients with “cannabinoid hyperemesis.” The acute administration of marijuana has been shown in animal studies to stop vomiting and cannabinoid agents such as dronabinol and nabilone have been used to treat nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy. The effects of chronic marijuana use are poorly understood and whether marijuana use unmasks CVS is unclear; further prospective studies are warranted to address this issue. We currently recommend abstinence of marijuana while treating patients with CVS as this is a risk factor for nonresponse to conventional medications.”

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It would be really helpful if you could come and tell your story on the CVSA message board. I am certainly in no position to argue with you, quiting cannabis has clearly helped you.....it would just be great if you could come and tell your story officially on there. Doctors patients and carers alike read that message board and may just learn something from you. Every piece of evidence shows that cannabis does not cause CVS but you are clearly the one exception!

Do you think cannabis caused your CVS? Or cannabis caused your CVS like symptoms? If the latter, what symptoms were different? Like I said mate, in the nicest way possible it is people like you who are causing problems for genuine CVS sufferers in ER's so it would be great if you could come forward and tell your story officially, we might just learn some actual differences in symptoms!

Your story though unfortunately has been copied and pasted a few times over the CHS threads. I am not saying yours isnt true ofcourse however it is very similar. Everyone who claims to suffer from CHS all follow a standard form - Smoking since age 13/14, vomiting happening several years later, ruining their life, costing thousands of pounds in healthcare costs, a friend passes you a "study" (there is a thread on the CVS message board showing the obvious flaws in every study) and bang, everything is fine again once you have abstained. Seriously, I am not joking, search Cannabis Hyperemesis in Google, your story is so standard it almost deems it BS. Again, I am not saying that but you really need to come and tell your story to people who understand. You said you always thought it was CVS, did you ever speak to anyone at CVSA? A specialist? A doctor? Anyone on the message board? You have sufferered for a long time now I guess you have posted elsewhere about this?

Also just finally, you mentioned opiates. I really dont know of any CVS sufferer who is able to get this treatment in the ER. Doctors first thought that CVS patients were drug seekers coming to the ER for opiates, so they stopped this type of treatment. Ofcourse they were wrong but it would again be interesting to know who is giving you opiates for CVS symptoms. This however would be useless information on here but vital on the CVSA message board.

Cheers

Just like I said here are a couple of small examples of similar stories -

White male, early 30s, from mid-west US. User of cannabis since age of 13. Abuser since age of 16 or 17. Diabetic type 1. Four times admitted to ER, in last six months for "stomach flu" where most recent trip was diagnosed with CHS. I very much enjoy the predictable effects of pot and always will. That is why this is a little difficult to face. Perhaps more people coming out with their stories will foster research and understanding and even prevention of symptoms. Being diabetic type 1 I avoid alcohol and figured pot was a viable substitute for life.

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I started smoking at age 12, once a month. By age 14, I was smoking every weekend. By 16, it was around three and a half grams a day, smoking poppers/shotties. Around this time my friend got diagnosed with malignant lung cancer. Due to being scared shitless about my health, and my smoking, I switched to a vaporizer and edibles. I created weed lollypops I'd eat during the day, along with brownies, and while at home I'd vaporize. By the time I was 17, I started getting the symptoms mentioned above. For two years I had this, the only cure being marijuana (showers helped with the nausea

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hey there i just wanted to share my experience with you since it is similar somewhat..i am 33 and have smoked weed since i was 12, regularly on and off, i have done LOTS of other drugs but am trying to just use herb now as its effects are pleasant to me and i enjoy them,

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Again, I am not doubting your story but it is uncanny how many people who claim to suffer from CHS have a very similar story, illness started at age 20 after smoking since 13/14 etc etc. I doubt it is caussation as CHS wouldnt only affect a small percentage of smokers based on age, it is just an uncanny story that is contstantly repeated for whatever reason.

I am not sure how to respond to you CVS Sufferer. This is my first post on the subject online. If there is other stories that are almost identical maybe it is more than a coincidence. I can not speak for others. My aim in sharing my story is not make it difficult for anyone. Whether I have CVS or CHS is unknown. I am just testing a new possibility for my health. So far so good, but it is still to early to say as it has only been two weeks since taking a break. I guess I don't understand how testing a theory and sharing is bad press or how you can say "people like you" cause problems. To say my story has been copied and pasted is just plain false. This is my story and mine alone, and to say it is bs is short sided. I have been dealing with these issues for 14 years and I have the medical bills to back it up. Like I said I don't know. I am just testing a theory. It is only by testing that we can discover if there is a link or not. The pothead in me hopes it is not CHS, but the rest of me hopes it is just so I can live a normal life. I understand that most suffers of CVS do not smoke pot. So it is obvious that pot does not cause it. But there may just people that do not have CVS and have CHS and to totally dismiss the possibility for lack of information could do more harm than good. I could say that it is people like you that make it difficult for CHS suffers by totally dismissing the possibility that CHS is real. I don't know and you don't either.

As I said I don't know if pot is the cause, just seeing if quitting helps. And I am clearly not the "only" exception. I can't even say I am en exception yet as it is too early to say. I have seen doctors, but I have not had health insurance in a while so it is difficult for me to go to specialists. I am aware of CVSA but have not posted to the forums, only read the stories of others with nearly identical symptoms to mine that had me believe that I have (had?) CVS. It has been a while since I have been on there.

As for the opiates at the ER: I only go to the ER when the vomiting episodes have gotten so bad that my stomach muscles start to cramp with every cough and I am barely able to move and I am severely dehydrated. They don't just give them to me right away, and sometimes they don't at all; as they believe I am just looking for drugs. They really don't like it when you start to tell them what works for you by names of drugs. It has been over six months since my last ER visit and I don't think that I got any pain meds on the last visit. It just depends on the doctor.

Hiya Vomiter, thanks for the reply.

I will first point out that I am not totally dismissing the possibility that CHS is real and I would hope that my posts are not causing any CHS sufferers problems.

I am sorry you are offended that I said your story causes problems for CVS sufferers. It was you who actually brought CVS into your post and then go on to say you think it is cannabis caused. I struggle to see how this doesnt harm CVS? I get offended when people state that CVS is caused by cannabis use because as you quite rightly stated, many CVS patients dont even smoke cannabis. I have responded really well to the emperic treatment guidelines for CVS but I smoke cannabis. Should someone look on the internet it is very easy to put 2 and 2 together hence why I want to know more.

Posting your story on here is like you are posting to make people aware rather than looking for help or support. If cannabis causes your CVS symptoms why not come on the message board and explain to all of us how you have gotten better since abstaining? You wont be doubted at all.....like I said, contrary to what you believe I am not here to say Cannabis Hyperemesis doesnt exist, I am here to highlight any differences between the illnesses to help prevent the problems CVS sufferers encounter in the ER. Unfortunately you made a connection between CVS and CHS in your first sentence and then continued to make reference in your next post. You made the connection not me.....it is this connection that is doing CVS patients harm.

Lets not start an arguement about things. I just want to talk openly and honestly. You are making the connection between your illness and CVS, not me.....I dont blame you personally at all, but I want more people like yourself who believe cannabis is causing their CVS to come forward on the CVSA message board. There are literally thousands of cannabis boards but only one CVS board. If your symptoms are so similar I know where I would be posting

Anyway, forgetting all of that, you clearly think what you have gone through is cannabis related. I really wont doubt that at all, I dont know you as much as you know me and like you say I might have a hidden agenda, although I have posted about 500 times now on this subject I think my agenda is there for all to see..............to find the difference between CVS and CHS! Not to argue whether someone has an illness or not

E2A - despite whether you like me or not (probably not lol) I would be really interested in keeping upto date with your testing. You say it has been 2 weeks since you abstained and you really have no CVS symptoms at all? Can I just make sure aswell, you seem to know about CVS, your symptoms matched that identically? Again, this is really important. I think we may have gotten off on the wrong foot. You are the ideal person I want to talk to about this, it would be a shame for arguing to get in the way of health

Can I just say aswell,

"This is my first post on the subject online. If there is other stories that are almost identical maybe it is more than a coincidence."

What I meant by other stories, is that they seem to follow the same pattern. For example, there is never anyone who says, "female aged 40, start smoking age 25 and have been vomiting for 10 years"

If it is a cannabis causing illness it certainly wouldnt just pick a certain type of person whereas the CHS stories do just that. I am not doubting your story but merely pointing out that yours is another classic story that I have seen typed before. I am just wondering where the other part of society are.

Anyway, just trying to explain myself and why I said certain things. I would be good if we could talk further but maybe on the CVSA messafe boards?

E2A again lol - Have you ever tried the emperic treatment guidelines for CVS? Certain medication etc? Alot of CVS sufferers have had positive reactions following this and if your symptoms are identical to CVS, maybe something to look into? Obviously after abstaining. Even CVS doctors say to abstain while trying new treatments and it only makes sense! Anyway just wondered

Could CHS maybe be caused my improperly flushed goods?

I feel very fortunate. I started using cannabis daily at age 12 or 13 as I had access to ALOT of it. I am 50 now,,,'still vaping my ass off' after daily use for 30 sum years. The only changes I've made were transitioning from combustion to vaping 100% of the time. I have experienced '0' complications to date.

well I am now shit scared.

keep up the good work CVS_sufferer.

Vomiter said:

as they believe I am just looking for drugs. They really don't like it when you start to tell them what works for you by names of drugs. It has been over six months since my last ER visit and I don't think that I got any pain meds on the last visit. It just depends on the doctor.

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It also depends on what you say. Asking for a drug by name is a pretty good way to ensure your not going to get it.

When I need medicine for pain, I will talk to the doctor and tell him that on the Verbal Numerical Rating Scale of pain I am at fucking eleven and I need something to take the pain away. I'll tell him that I do not want to have any kind of benzodiazepene or super powerful opiate, but that I also do not want to know the brand of the painkiller because I am worried about abuse in the future.

I always get something at that point, don't know what it is but it usually works, and the upside is that if I like it too much I don't know what I'm asking the dealer for. Win Win.

Hello everyone...

I feel sorry for people that don't want to believe marijuana can cause this. .. Yes, it is uncommon but it definitely is possible! And the only way to find out if it is the cause is to actually lay off the stuff for a few months and see your symptoms disappear.

My girlfriend is the one that has this. She has been smoking for over ten years. She smokes 2.5 grams a day, as well as edibles a few time/week. The last four months she has been hospitalized 5 times for cyclical vomiting. She was so dehydrated and the vomiting would not stop for days! She still refuses to go cold turkey. She has just cut down to smoking once a day now, swearing to me that she will slowly wean off of it. I am hoping that the major reduction in marijuana consumption will help her.. In the meantime, awaiting the next attack

I will add that this happened to her 3 years ago. Same thing, Vomiting, hospitalization, doctors didn't find out what it was then, and they just said it might be stress.. Although when we look back now, she had sharply increased her usage during that time, which could have caused the cyclical vomiting. But, since we had no idea about the possibility of it being the smoking, she continued her daily usage ... She didn't have another episode for 3 years! until 4 months ago..... So I am in the hopes that she can still smoke, however she must monitor the amount .....

Mayra said:

Hello everyone...

I feel sorry for people that don't want to believe marijuana can cause this. .. Yes, it is uncommon but it definitely is possible! And the only way to find out if it is the cause is to actually lay off the stuff for a few months and see your symptoms disappear.

My girlfriend is the one that has this. She has been smoking for over ten years. She smokes 2.5 grams a day, as well as edibles a few time/week. The last four months she has been hospitalized 5 times for cyclical vomiting. She was so dehydrated and the vomiting would not stop for days! She still refuses to go cold turkey. She has just cut down to smoking once a day now, swearing to me that she will slowly wean off of it. I am hoping that the major reduction in marijuana consumption will help her.. In the meantime, awaiting the next attack

I will add that this happened to her 3 years ago. Same thing, Vomiting, hospitalization, doctors didn't find out what it was then, and they just said it might be stress.. Although when we look back now, she had sharply increased her usage during that time, which could have caused the cyclical vomiting. But, since we had no idea about the possibility of it being the smoking, she continued her daily usage ... She didn't have another episode for 3 years! until 4 months ago..... So I am in the hopes that she can still smoke, however she must monitor the amount .....

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Well thank you for posting about this. I have not had these symptoms but that sucks. 2.5g/day is a very large dose and wonder how long she has been done this?

I have been suffering from severe stomach pain and vomiting for over the past 13 years. I have been smoking marijuana for the past 15 years. The ONLY thing that helps at home is a very HOT bath. I have even had to put boiling water in the tub to get relief. When that doesn't work I have to go to the ER in search for relief, as only a strong does of dilaudid and promethazine will calm down my nausea and pain . I have had catscans, abdomninal x-rays, MRI's, HIDA scans just to name a few. I also had my gallbladder removed over year ago. Still no relief. I cannot eat hardly at all lately. Everything I eat comes back up.
I started doing some research on my own searching for the terms "hot bath and stomach pain". I came across the topic of cannabinoid hyperemesis the other day. EVERY symptom listed for CH is what I have. Colicky pain, nausea and vomitting. I would have never thought this could be the cause. It has always helped me but now I am wondering if it was only harming my body. I have gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) and the doctors always wondered how I got the gastroparesis. This is most common in diabetics. Now that I have read-up on CH and realized that long term use of marijuana can cause gastroparesis, a light bulb went off in my head. Could all of my pain and suffering be attributed to marijuana? It is surely starting to look that way. I LOVE to smoke and the thought of quitting is going to be hell, but I pray it will be worth it in the long run.
I just got out of the hospital today after a 5 day stay. Numerous tests again and no results. I read that this could be hereditary and that some people's bodies react differently in breaking down the THC. Therefore, I believe this is why not all marijuana smokers experience this. I would love to hear anyone's input on this. Thanks in advance.

RIPMaryJane1979 said:

I LOVE to smoke and the thought of quitting is going to be hell, but I pray it will be worth it in the long run.

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It's good to mix things up if you have even a sneaking suspicion that a habit may be causing you problems. It also helps strengthen your will and self-confidence to prove to yourself that you do not NEED for anything but the basics. Not to say that a person shouldn't indulge in nonessential things that give them pleasure, but if they are required for you to feel pleasure, then fear the fall, for you can't take it with you anyway. This doesn't necessarily apply to medical marijuana, but medicine too can become poison depending on the dose, frequency, and one's individual characteristics. I also think it's good to lay off sometimes just to increase appreciation.

Additionally, consider what else you consume that may not mix well with your cannabis use, or could be causing your problems entirely. In my case it was dairy products, but that of course will vary and requires reflection and experimentation. I wouldn't recommend drawing too many conclusions until you've laid off of whatever for at least a month. Start by targeting foods and other substances that you indulge in heavily and so could be causing burnout or allergies.

Medical practitioners can help you, and of course in dire circumstances can be a life saver, but it's always good to at least try to figure out for yourself what makes you tick and makes you healthy, for your mileage may vary! Best of luck to you.

kelper said:

It's good to mix things up if you have even a sneaking suspicion that a habit may be causing you problems. It also helps strengthen your will and self-confidence to prove to yourself that you do not NEED for anything but the basics. Not to say that a person shouldn't indulge in nonessential things that give them pleasure, but if they are required for you to feel pleasure, then fear the fall, for you can't take it with you anyway. This doesn't necessarily apply to medical marijuana, but medicine too can become poison depending on the dose, frequency, and one's individual characteristics. I also think it's good to lay off sometimes just to increase appreciation.

Additionally, consider what else you consume that may not mix well with your cannabis use, or could be causing your problems entirely. In my case it was dairy products, but that of course will vary and requires reflection and experimentation. I wouldn't recommend drawing too many conclusions until you've laid off of whatever for at least a month. Start by targeting foods and other substances that you indulge in heavily and so could be causing burnout or allergies.

Medical practitioners can help you, and of course in dire circumstances can be a life saver, but it's always good to at least try to figure out for yourself what makes you tick and makes you healthy, for your mileage may vary! Best of luck to you.

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Kelper, thanks for your input. I have already went to the doctors to have an allergy test on foods. I was worried that it was possibly a food or beverage that I was consuming. All of the allergy test came back fine, showing no allergies. Therefore, that is ruled out.

I am going to stop and see if there is a difference. It has been 5 days since I have smoked. When I feel the urge I just get online and read peoples symptoms and stories. This helps me be grounded with my decision to stop smoking and it reassures me I am not the only one going through this.

Thank you again.

RIPMaryJane1979 said:

Kelper, thanks for your input. I have already went to the doctors to have an allergy test on foods. I was worried that it was possibly a food or beverage that I was consuming. All of the allergy test came back fine, showing no allergies. Therefore, that is ruled out.

I am going to stop and see if there is a difference. It has been 5 days since I have smoked. When I feel the urge I just get online and read peoples symptoms and stories. This helps me be grounded with my decision to stop smoking and it reassures me I am not the only one going through this.

Thank you again.

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Allergy tests can't cover all possible interactions. So for example a food may be fine normally, but could interact with cannabis in a way that causes you distress.

I think laying off the green stuff is a good route for you now. Later on you can think about reintroducing it "scientifically" by considering possible interaction effects. But that can get complicated so focus on your health first and foremost. Good luck!

kelper said:

Allergy tests can't cover all possible interactions. So for example a food may be fine normally, but could interact with cannabis in a way that causes you distress.

I think laying off the green stuff is a good route for you now. Later on you can think about reintroducing it "scientifically" by considering possible interaction effects. But that can get complicated so focus on your health first and foremost. Good luck!

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Thank you! That is my plan. :-)

This is my first time posting on this site. I am glad this issues is being discussed. I'd asked for the Marijuana Community that folks keep an open mind. Here is my story:

I was regular smoker from 1975 until 1982. I quit to raise my two Daughters. In 2003 my Children grown. I made a choice to start smoking again. I was a heavy cannabis user when young and was a heavy cannabis user when I started again. In 2005 I had what I thought was a flu bug or food poisoning. Heavy vomiting, fever and headache. Lasted about 6 hours and never thought it was serious. I rarely vomit, even with the flu, I mean like years between vomiting, just to clarify. A year later, I had another episode this time it lasted longer closer to 12 hours or more. Still thinking it was bug, food, etc. Than another episode closer to 6 months from last episode. Much more violent and lasted 24 hours without being able to keep anything down. Eventually these episodes grew closer together, lasted longer and more violent. I never connected it to my cannabis use. Finally I was Hospitalized when an episode lasted 36 hours and was dangerously dehydrated. I had CT scan of my head and stomach cavity. Scoped, poked and Xrays until I glowed in the dark. Nothing was found. A month later another 3 day episode.

For a lot reasons unrelated to the vomiting episodes, I chose to stop smoking weed. I found another Gastroenterologist who had recently came from UCLA. She was young and had an open mind. I gave her my history and decision to make Life style changes. She asked if I had any more episodes since stopping Cannabis. No was my answer. She said she doubted I would. She said she believed I had been suffering from CHS. Ironically, a close friend had recently mentioned to me he had a good friend who's Father had to quit smoking cannabis due to violent episodes of vomiting. This was before I decided to stop and blew it off as he had to have other issues because you cannot get sick from Cannabis. So I thought.

Since stopping. It's been over a year and a half and no occurrence of these horrible and for me almost deadly results from CHS.

I would just ask that the Cannabis Community keep an open mind. I spent over $5000.00 of monies I did not have for no answers and no relief from my suffering, it was by chance that the cure came to me.
I have and still believe Cannabis has a place in our Society. The types and strengths of Marijuana have changed dramatically. Like going from beer & wine to 200 proof white lightening. I'm concerned that some folks may of been permanently harmed or even died from misdiagnosis.
I also believe the number of people who suffer from this is and will continue to be small in percentage. However as Cannabis become more openly accepted and the numbers of users grows, so will the numbers of those prone to this syndrome.

If being aware and accepting that some people might be prone to this very serious syndrome, save somebody from unnecessarily suffering. I'd hope the entire Cannabis Community would keep an open mind and look to Scientist to do more research to cause and effect and hopefully a cure other than abstinence. Thank You and be Safe.

timeisnotmyfriend said:

This is my first time posting on this site. I am glad this issues is being discussed. I'd asked for the Marijuana Community that folks keep an open mind. Here is my story ... Thank You and be Safe.

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That's why this forum is great - you can share your views without getting harassed. There are all sorts of different experiences out there. Glad you found relief!

Was just wondering, I went a year and a half without stopping for more than 24hrs tops, maybe three whole days sober in that year and a half... multiple times a day... and I HAD to stop for a week or so. On day 3 I had an edible. Prior was almost exclusively vaping... but I didn't get any withdrawal syndromes. 3 days, then a brownie, then about 9 days, and I didn't get any symptoms. My nausea came back, of course, but I had that from the cocktail of drugs I was on already on top of the extras. Once I was off as much as I could bear, the nausea was very little. Maybe we're looking at people smoking stuff with a grow nute that isn't being flushed? So many possibilities, but unfortunately we don't have the proper access to study more...

limpbizkitjmf said:

So here I am. Day 5 of vomiting, colicky pain, and hardly any sleep. (excuse me if I sound off, I would attribute that to the days of sleep depravation)
...
I actually pulled off (I was driving home from said friends house) into a church because I was going to throw up.. It actually subsided and I thought...well that was weird... starting to think the resin gets to the point where it builds up and my body is like "fuck you bro" and I get this terrible sickness.
...
When I found this forum today I figured I would input my information for others that are dealing with this crap and really know the true horror of CHS.. Ive got to try and eat something.. Hope all is well with everyone.

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"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

Good luck to you.

I found that the worst thing that bugs my stomack is not vape.. but abv that makes its way trough the screen when i do direct draw.. Now i always filter with multiple screens or with water. Also vapors seems to clear the throat and i can imagine many people having food,tonsil stones... (if want you google the horrors of the throat.. ) .. When doing a huge rip maybe some chunks of the mukus,puss,stones,food.. whatever goes down and gags to the puke-a-rama. Also things that you cough out of your lungs can make you gag too.. especially if u are an early convert. I really never dropped my gut but.. i've been a bit nauseus few times and have observed other individuals.

Good to hear a forum regarding this... I as well have been diagnosed with CHS... my experience has not been a pleasant one to say the least... I am currently 29.. been smoking weed since I was 16.. over the years this condition has gotten worse for me... I have quit for 6 months 3 times.. and why I keep going back still boggles my mind. I have been admitted to the hospital over 30 times made twice as many ER trips.... Not only do I get constant pain from eating anything every 3 months where my bouts used to last a day or 2 before I was 20 now can last anywhere from 5 - 15 days... 15 days of a full out pain in your stomach.... I also LIVE in the shower when I'm sick the only time I will be out of the bathtub (and I try not to be) is if I happen to run out of hot water.... then to combat the pain I had a terrible habit of chugging anything cold I could get my hands on.. throwing up was another 2 min temporary relief that felt much better than the lingering pain in my stomach I have had day where I threw up over 50 LITRES of fluids... needless to say I was so dehydrated I started to have seizures... I'm currently just finishing my last bout.. one big problem I have is I can go without smoking while I'm sick but the minute I feel better weed is the only thing that gets my appetite back.... hopefully tomorrow is a new day and I can start a new countdown of days that I have been feeling better

ANdNewww This sounds just like my cases...the last episode was the longest its been lasting 10 days...everything you said is to a T except for the seizures. I too curse smoking until I feel better then will start up again...Its hard, I know.. Keep the will power, try and fill your time with other things.. We all know how nice it is to chill out and toke up...but you and I both know its not worth the agonizing pain. Be strong.

Yep.. the 3 times I quit.. Ive never felt better in my life... I still haven't eaten much since I've last been sick... I have 1 gram of weed to smoke today.. and get a bunch of food in me.. and tomorrow I will start the countdown... I will keep you guys posted