Cannabis-Linked Illness ‘Scromiting’ Surges Among Users

A surge in cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), commonly referred to as “scromiting,” has been observed among cannabis users in the United States. This condition, characterized by severe vomiting and abdominal pain, has raised concerns among medical professionals as cannabis use becomes more prevalent and potent.

Jared Panks, a paramedic and co-founder of HomeGrown ORegonicX, a medical cannabis farm in Oregon, began using cannabis to manage pain from scoliosis and knee injuries. After witnessing the struggles of family members with cancer and opioid addiction, he turned to marijuana for its potential therapeutic benefits. However, by 2013, Panks experienced debilitating episodes of vomiting that could last for days. These bouts of nausea left him unable to eat or retain fluids, resulting in a significant weight loss of 50 pounds.

Panks was eventually diagnosed with CHS, a condition that many in the cannabis community have difficulty accepting. He described the experience as excruciating, stating, “Sometimes it goes 14 days, where my whole body starts to seize up.” The term “scromiting” derives from the combination of screaming and vomiting, which some sufferers experience during these painful episodes.

Research from the University of Illinois Chicago indicates a concerning trend, with diagnosed cases of CHS increasing sevenfold between 2016 and 2022. The study revealed that the incidence peaked at 33 cases per 100,000 emergency room visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by increased substance use. The majority of cases were reported among young adults aged 18 to 35, predominantly men.

Most individuals diagnosed with CHS are daily cannabis users, often consuming high-potency strains or concentrates. A systematic review found that approximately 75 percent of those with CHS reported daily cannabis use. While cannabis is typically associated with appetite stimulation, excessive consumption can lead to adverse effects, including CHS.

According to Professor James Swartz, the lead author of the UIC study, the rise in cannabis legalization and the availability of stronger products are key factors contributing to the increase in CHS cases. He emphasizes the importance of awareness among healthcare providers, stating, “This is real, and it’s common enough that it’s of concern.”

Tim Blake, founder of The Emerald Cup, has personal experience with CHS, having reduced his cannabis consumption after suffering from cyclic vomiting. Blake, a long-time cannabis user, advocates for moderation. He compares cannabis use to alcohol, suggesting that consumers should approach it with caution: “We shouldn’t be drinking 151 rum shots every day. We should do more beer and wine.”

Panks and his wife have launched Deafining Cannabis, a project aimed at developing sign language related to cannabis for the deaf community. He advocates for focusing on the effects of cannabis terpenes rather than just THC percentages. “We need to stop looking at THC percentages and more at the terpenes,” he said, emphasizing a more scientific understanding of cannabis effects.

Research on CHS is still in its early stages, but recent federal initiatives to reclassify cannabis may foster further investigation. The World Health Organization has only recently recognized CHS as a medical condition, highlighting the need for more comprehensive studies to explore its causes and potential treatments.

Alice Moon, a prominent cannabis advocate, shares her desire for more research into the condition, stating, “I promote a substance I cannot consume.” Her commitment to raising awareness stems from her own experiences with CHS, and she urges others to be mindful of their consumption practices.

Currently, abstinence remains the only recognized method for alleviating the symptoms of CHS. As the cannabis landscape continues to evolve, understanding the complexities of this condition is crucial for both users and healthcare professionals.