What is ‘scromiting’? US citizens warned about terrifying cannabis side effect

The cause? Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).

“Patients often have multiple ER visits before the condition is recognized, costing thousands of dollars each time,” says Dr. Beatriz Carlini, research associate professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Symptoms that scream — literally

CHS attacks typically appear within 24 hours of cannabis use and can last for days. Medical staff coined the term scromiting because sufferers often scream while vomiting.

Dr. Chris Buresh, an emergency medicine specialist, explains the challenge: “There are no FDA-approved treatments, and standard anti-nausea medications often fail.” Unusual remedies sometimes work, including hot showers, capsaicin cream on the stomach, or even Haldol, a drug usually reserved for psychotic episodes.

“When someone says they feel better after a hot shower, that can clinch the diagnosis for me,” Buresh adds.

Who’s at risk?

CHS can recur if cannabis use continues. The only way to stop it is to quit entirely, which can be difficult for habitual users. Scientists aren’t sure why some people are affected and others aren’t, but overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system is a leading theory. Even small amounts can trigger symptoms in vulnerable users.

A George Washington University study of over 1,000 CHS patients found that early and prolonged cannabis use strongly correlates with ER visits for scromiting. Alarmingly, adolescent cases in the U.S. jumped more than tenfold between 2016 and 2023, especially in states where recreational cannabis remains illegal.

Official recognition

On October 1, 2025, the World Health Organization formally recognized CHS, giving it an official diagnosis code. Carlini emphasizes the significance:

“This new code provides hard evidence on cannabis-related adverse events, which physicians report as a growing problem.”

With ER visits climbing, experts warn that both teens and adults using cannabis need to be aware of this potentially debilitating condition.

Have you or someone you know experienced CHS? Share your story or thoughts in the comments below!