Health experts across the United States are raising concerns about a severe medical condition increasingly seen in emergency rooms among frequent cannabis users. The issue—sometimes called “scromiting”—is a painful syndrome marked by repeated vomiting and extreme abdominal distress.
While the name may sound unusual, doctors say the condition behind it is well documented. The clinical term is Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a disorder linked to long-term or heavy cannabis use.
What Is “Scromiting”?
The nickname “scromiting” combines the words screaming and vomiting, reflecting the intense pain and uncontrollable nausea some patients experience during episodes.
According to researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine, people affected by CHS often develop symptoms suddenly, sometimes within 24 hours after using cannabis. These symptoms can include:
- Severe, repeated vomiting
- Persistent nausea
- Intense abdominal pain
- Episodes that may last several days
Doctors say many patients visit emergency departments multiple times before receiving the correct diagnosis, partly because the condition is still unfamiliar to many clinicians.
Why Treatment Can Be Challenging
Emergency physicians say CHS can be difficult to treat because common anti-nausea medications often provide little relief. Currently, there are no treatments specifically approved for the condition by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Instead, doctors sometimes rely on alternative approaches to ease symptoms, including:
- Very hot showers or baths
- Capsaicin cream applied to the abdomen
- Certain medications used in severe cases
Many patients report temporary relief from exposure to hot water, a pattern doctors say is frequently associated with the syndrome.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Health experts say the condition most often affects people who use cannabis heavily or over long periods. In many cases, the only reliable way to prevent future episodes is to stop using cannabis entirely.
Researchers believe CHS may be linked to overstimulation of the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate nausea, digestion, and other bodily functions. However, scientists are still investigating why the condition affects some users but not others.
Rising Cases Among Young Users
Studies have found increasing numbers of CHS-related emergency visits, particularly among younger cannabis users. Research from George Washington University examining more than 1,000 cases found strong links between early, long-term cannabis use and repeated hospital visits.
The research also noted a sharp increase in cases among teenagers between 2016 and 2023.
Global Recognition of the Condition
In a major step toward improving diagnosis, the World Health Organization officially added Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome to its International Classification of Diseases system on October 1, 2025. The new diagnostic code allows doctors to track and document the condition more accurately.
What Doctors Want Cannabis Users to Know
Health professionals say awareness is key. Persistent vomiting, severe stomach pain, and repeated emergency room visits following cannabis use could be signs of CHS.
Doctors stress that while cannabis is widely used, heavy or long-term consumption can carry health risks that many users may not recognize.
