Severe Vomiting and Stomach Pain After Marijuana Use? It Could Be CHS

Families often come to Dilworth Center concerned about a loved one’s substance use. In the same conversation, they may also mention chronic nausea, abdominal pain, or repeated vomiting episodes that seem unrelated.

Sometimes, those are not separate problems.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), sometimes called cannabis hyperemesis syndrome or marijuana vomiting syndrome, is a condition associated with frequent, long-term cannabis use. It can cause recurring nausea, severe vomiting, and abdominal pain, and it is often missed until someone has already had multiple urgent care or emergency room visits.

Recent national coverage has increased awareness of CHS, but many families still do not recognize the warning signs until symptoms become severe.

JAMA (the Journal of the American Medical Association) describes CHS as recurrent severe nausea and vomiting with abdominal pain after cannabis use, often with temporary relief from hot showers or baths.

At Dilworth Center, we are seeing this pattern anecdotally in adolescents, young adults, and adults and families are often relieved to finally have a clearer explanation and a path forward.

This article helps families understand CHS, recognize warning signs, and know when it is time to call for help.

Why CHS Matters

Marijuana and THC products are often treated as low-risk, especially compared with other substances. At the same time, cannabis use is common, and cannabis-related problems are not rare.

CHS is receiving more attention because more people are presenting with recurring GI symptoms that may be connected to chronic cannabis use. Many families first search for phrases like throwing up from weed, weed causing vomiting, THC vomiting, or marijuana causing severe vomiting before they ever hear the term CHS. Others are searching more generally for marijuana nausea, weed stomach pain, cannabis stomach problems, or even “why does weed make me throw up” when symptoms keep returning.

The CDC notes that about 3 in 10 people who use cannabis may have cannabis use disorder, and risk is higher for people who begin use before age 18.

A 2025 JAMA Network Open study found that adolescent CHS emergency department encounters increased substantially from 2016 to 2023 in the study sample. That makes CHS awareness especially important for families of teens and young adults.

What Is CHS (Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome)?

CHS is a condition linked to frequent, chronic cannabis use that can cause:
• Recurring nausea
• Repeated vomiting episodes
• Severe vomiting that becomes hard to control
• Abdominal pain
• Symptoms that come and go in cycles
• Temporary relief from hot showers or hot baths

Some people online call the most intense vomiting episodes “scromiting” (screaming + vomiting) to describe how severe and miserable these cycles can feel.

CHS can be confusing because marijuana is often seen as something that helps nausea. In CHS, however, cannabis use is associated with a paradoxical pattern of recurring severe nausea and vomiting.

Can Different Forms of THC Be Involved?

Families often ask whether CHS is only related to smoking marijuana.

The more accurate way to frame this is that CHS is associated with frequent, chronic cannabis use, and THC exposure can occur through multiple forms, including:
• Smoking marijuana
• Vaping THC (THC vape or weed pen)
• Edibles
• Concentrates, including high potency THC products

CHS is not limited to one type of cannabis product. It is more closely linked with frequent, long-term use, often in people using heavily.

The Pattern Families Often Miss

At Dilworth Center, a common pattern looks like this:

1. A parent comes in concerned about a teen or young adult’s substance use.
2. The parent also mentions chronic “stomach problems” or recurring vomiting.
3. Those concerns are described as separate issues.
4. During a thorough assessment, the pieces begin to fit together.

This does not mean every stomach problem is CHS. It does mean CHS should be on the radar when there is recurring vomiting, abdominal pain, and ongoing THC use.

Families are not “missing something obvious.” They are often trying to make sense of mixed symptoms in a stressful situation. When a loved one is hiding use, minimizing use, or using multiple THC products, the picture can become even more confusing.

Common CHS Symptoms and Warning Signs

CHS can look different from person to person, but common symptoms and warning signs include:
• Recurring nausea
• Repeated vomiting episodes
• Severe vomiting that can become hard to control
• Abdominal pain
• Cyclical vomiting patterns
• Temporary relief with hot showers or hot baths
• Repeated urgent care or ER visits without lasting answers

Family Red Flags That May Point to a THC-Related Cause

Families often describe CHS as “mystery stomach problems” before the THC connection becomes clear. Red flags may include:
• “Stomach problems” that keep coming back
• Vomiting episodes that seem to happen in cycles
• A teen or young adult taking long hot showers when sick
• Missed school, missed work, or social withdrawal because of nausea or vomiting
• Defensiveness or secrecy about marijuana or THC use
• Belief that marijuana is helping nausea even while symptoms continue
• Repeated urgent care or emergency room visits for vomiting without a clear answer

Why CHS Is Often Missed

CHS can be missed for several reasons:

1. Symptoms Overlap with Other Conditions

Families and providers may first think of:
• Stomach virus
• Food poisoning
• Anxiety-related nausea
• Reflux
• Cyclic vomiting syndrome
• Medication side effects
That is understandable.

2. THC Use May Be Minimized or Hidden

Some people do not consider marijuana a “real drug problem,” especially if they are not using alcohol, opioids, or stimulants. Others may underreport how much they are using or what forms they are using.

3. The “Natural Means Safe” Myth

A product being natural does not mean it is harmless. This is one of the most common misconceptions we hear.

4. GI Symptoms and Substance Use Are Discussed Separately

Families may report vomiting and abdominal pain to one provider and substance concerns to another, without anyone putting the full picture together.

CHS and Recovery: Why This Matters Beyond the Stomach

CHS is often discussed as a gastrointestinal issue, but in real life it is often also a behavioral health and substance use issue.

At Dilworth Center, we see how THC use can overlap with:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma history
• Sleep problems
• Peer influence
• Relapse risk
• Recovery instability
• Family conflict

This is especially important when someone says marijuana is “not a big deal” because it is natural or legal in some places. Even when public messaging minimizes THC, marijuana can become a serious issue for some people, especially youth and young adults.

Repeated ER or Urgent Care Visits Are a Warning Sign

One of the strongest patterns in possible CHS cases is repeated urgent care or emergency room visits for vomiting and abdominal pain without a lasting explanation.

The goal is not to scare families. The goal is to shorten the time between:
• Recurring symptoms
• Recognizing the possible THC connection
• Getting a proper assessment
• Starting support

When severe vomiting keeps returning, it is worth asking whether cannabis use may be part of the picture.

A Real-World Example (Composite Case)

A parent brings in a 19-year-old because motivation has dropped, mood is unstable, and they suspect THC use. During the assessment, the parent also mentions repeated “stomach attacks” over the past several months, including vomiting episodes and urgent care visits. The family thought it might be anxiety, food sensitivity, or a virus that kept coming back.

As the assessment process continues, the frequency of THC use becomes clearer. The young adult reports using multiple forms of THC and says hot showers help when the vomiting starts. That is the kind of moment when the puzzle pieces begin to fit.

From there, the conversation shifts from confusion and frustration to education, support, and a plan.

What Families Can Do If They Suspect CHS

If you suspect a loved one may be dealing with CHS or THC-related health problems, these steps can help:

1. Do Not Ignore Recurring Vomiting or Abdominal Pain

If symptoms are severe, seek medical care right away.

2. Ask Specific Questions About THC Use

Ask about:
• Smoking
• Vaping
• Edibles
• Concentrates
• Frequency of use
• How long use has been going on

Many families ask, “Do you smoke weed?” and get an incomplete answer. A more specific conversation often reveals more.

3. Pay Attention to Patterns

• Does it happen repeatedly?
• Are there periods of improvement and return?
• Are hot showers being used for relief?
• Is THC use increasing over time?

4. Do Not Make It a Shame Conversation

A blame-based approach can shut down honesty. A clear, calm approach usually works better.

5. Reach Out for a Thorough Assessment

A comprehensive behavioral health and substance use assessment can help determine whether THC use is likely contributing to symptoms and what kind of support is appropriate next.

How Dilworth Center Helps Families and Patients

Dilworth Center works with patients and families dealing with substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns, including situations where THC use is contributing to larger problems than anyone first realized.

Our assessment process helps families and patients:
• Connect patterns that may seem unrelated
• Understand how THC use may be affecting physical and emotional health
• Identify co-occurring mental health concerns
• Determine what level of support is needed
• Build a next-step plan that is practical and supportive

What Professionals Should Watch For (Referral Consideration)

For therapists, counselors, school staff, primary care providers, and other professionals, CHS awareness can be especially helpful when a teen or young adult presents with:
• Recurrent vomiting or chronic nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Repeated absences or functional decline
• Anxiety or mood instability
• Known or suspected THC use
• Minimizing language about marijuana (“only weed,” “just a vape,” “natural”)

If the pattern suggests marijuana use may be part of the clinical picture, a referral for a more complete substance use and mental health assessment may help reduce delays in care.

Common Misconceptions About CHS and Marijuana

“It is natural, so it is not dangerous.”

Natural does not always mean safe. Cannabis can be associated with real health complications in some people, including CHS and cannabis use disorder.

“Marijuana helps nausea, so it cannot be causing vomiting.”

This is one reason CHS is so confusing. CHS is a paradoxical condition associated with chronic cannabis use and recurrent severe nausea and vomiting.

“If it is not opioids or alcohol, it is not serious.”

THC-related problems can be serious, especially when vomiting is severe, repeated, or affecting school, work, or recovery.

“It is just a stomach bug.”

If symptoms keep returning, it is worth looking deeper.

When to Call Dilworth Center

Please call Dilworth Center or refer to us if:
• A loved one is using THC and has recurring vomiting, nausea, or abdominal pain
• A teen or young adult has repeated “mystery” stomach episodes and possible substance use
• Marijuana use is creating conflict, instability, or health concerns
• Someone in recovery is minimizing THC use while symptoms are getting worse
• A provider wants a trusted assessment partner for a patient with possible THC-related problems

Early support can help families move from confusion to clarity.

Educational Note

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a medical diagnosis. Severe vomiting, dehydration, and significant abdominal pain can require urgent medical evaluation. Dilworth Center can help families and individuals assess whether THC use may be contributing to symptoms and help determine appropriate next steps for support and treatment.

Contact Dilworth Center for Help

If these symptoms sound familiar, please call Dilworth Center. We can help assess the situation, connect the pieces, and guide the next steps for your family or loved one.

FAQ: CHS, Marijuana, and Severe Vomiting

Can weed cause severe vomiting?

Yes, in some people, frequent long-term cannabis use can be associated with Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), which can cause severe recurring vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Is CHS only caused by smoking marijuana?

No. THC exposure can come from multiple forms, including smoking, vaping, edibles, and concentrates. CHS is more closely associated with frequent, chronic cannabis use than with one specific method of use.

Can edibles or THC vapes cause CHS?

They may be involved because CHS is linked to ongoing THC exposure and chronic cannabis use, not just smoking.

Why do hot showers help CHS?

Temporary relief from hot showers or baths is a commonly reported CHS pattern and can be a clue when someone also has recurrent vomiting and ongoing THC use.

When should someone go to the ER for vomiting?

Severe vomiting, dehydration, inability to keep fluids down, worsening abdominal pain, or repeated episodes without improvement can require urgent medical evaluation.

When should a family seek a substance use assessment?

Families should consider a thorough assessment when recurring vomiting or “mystery” stomach symptoms happen alongside known or suspected THC use, mood changes, school or work problems, or family conflict.

References

• JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) – Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (JAMA Patient Page)
• CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) – Understanding Your Risk for Cannabis Use Disorder
• SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) – 2022–2023 NSDUH Data Brief: Modes of Marijuana Use