Health experts across the United States are raising concerns about a disturbing medical condition linked to heavy cannabis use. The issue, commonly referred to as “scromiting,” is sending increasing numbers of people to hospital emergency rooms with severe symptoms.
While the term may sound unusual, doctors say the condition behind it is very real—and in some cases extremely painful.
What Is “Scromiting”?
The nickname “scromiting” comes from a combination of screaming and vomiting, describing the intense symptoms experienced by some patients. Medical professionals use the clinical term Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome to describe the condition.
People affected by CHS can experience:
- Severe and repeated vomiting
- Persistent nausea
- Intense abdominal pain
- Episodes that may last several days
Many patients report symptoms appearing within about 24 hours after using cannabis.
According to Beatriz Carlini from the University of Washington School of Medicine, the condition often goes unrecognized at first.
Patients may visit emergency departments multiple times before doctors correctly identify the cause, leading to significant healthcare costs.
Why Treatment Can Be Difficult
Emergency physicians say treating CHS can be challenging. Standard anti-nausea medications often fail to provide relief.
Chris Buresh explains that there are currently no treatments specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this condition.
Doctors sometimes use alternative approaches to help relieve symptoms, including:
- Taking very hot showers or baths
- Applying capsaicin cream to the abdomen
- Using medications such as Haloperidol in severe cases
Many patients report temporary relief from hot water exposure. Some even say they run through all the hot water in their homes during an episode.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Experts say the condition can return if cannabis use continues. In most cases, completely stopping cannabis is the only reliable way to prevent future episodes.
Researchers believe the condition may be related to overstimulation of the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating nausea and digestion.
However, scientists still do not fully understand why CHS affects some cannabis users but not others. Individual tolerance levels and frequency of use may play a role.
Rising Cases and Research Findings
A recent study conducted by researchers at George Washington University analyzed more than 1,000 cases of CHS.
Key findings included:
- Early and long-term cannabis use appears strongly linked to emergency room visits for the condition.
- Cases among teenagers in the U.S. increased dramatically between 2016 and 2023.
- Younger users showed higher increases in states where recreational cannabis remains illegal, although overall cases were more common in states with legal markets.
Official Recognition by Global Health Experts
In a significant development, the World Health Organization officially recognized Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome as a diagnosable condition on October 1, 2025.
Researchers say the new diagnostic code will help doctors track cannabis-related health complications more accurately and improve medical awareness.
What Experts Want Cannabis Users to Know
With emergency room visits increasing, health professionals are encouraging cannabis users to be aware of the warning signs of CHS.
Persistent vomiting, severe stomach pain, and repeated ER visits after cannabis use could indicate the condition.
Doctors emphasize that understanding potential health risks—especially with long-term or heavy use—is important for both adults and younger users.