If you’re someone who uses cannabis regularly—especially daily—and you’ve started experiencing recurring nausea, vomiting, or strange episodes of stomach pain , it might not just be a passing stomach bug. These could be signs of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) , a condition that affects some long-term cannabis users in a way that seems to contradict everything we typically hear about THC.

CHS is marked by three distinct phases:

1. Prodromal Phase : You may feel early-morning nausea , loss of appetite, or mild stomach discomfort that lingers for days or weeks. Many people continue using cannabis during this phase, believing it will help settle their stomach—when in fact, it may be the cause.
   
   

2. Hyperemetic Phase : This is when things get more intense. You might begin experiencing severe nausea and vomiting , often multiple times a day, sometimes to the point of dehydration or needing ER care. One unusual but telling behavior is taking frequent hot showers or baths , which many people report as the only way to temporarily ease the symptoms.
   
   

3. Recovery Phase : The symptoms usually stop within days or weeks of quitting cannabis completely . However, if you start using again, the symptoms often return.
   
   

If this sounds familiar—especially the need for hot showers to feel better—it may be more than coincidence. CHS is frequently misdiagnosed as food poisoning, acid reflux, or cyclic vomiting syndrome, which can delay proper treatment. If you're a heavy cannabis user and find yourself experiencing these symptoms regularly, it may be time to take a break and talk to a healthcare provider. 

The exact cause of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is still not fully understood, but current research points to a combination of chronic THC exposure and the way it interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) over time. THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, binds to CB1 receptors found throughout the brain and gastrointestinal tract. These receptors help regulate things like nausea, pain, digestion, and body temperature. In typical or short-term use, this interaction is therapeutic—but with prolonged, heavy use, the system may become dysregulated .

One leading theory is that long-term THC overstimulation causes the ECS to malfunction, particularly in areas of the brain and gut that control nausea and vomiting. Over time, what once helped ease symptoms begins to trigger them. The ECS may start sending the wrong signals, leading to chronic nausea, delayed gastric emptying, and vomiting. The brain’s hypothalamus , which regulates body temperature and digestive reflexes, may also be affected—potentially explaining why hot showers offer temporary relief .

There may also be genetic or individual sensitivity factors at play. Not every heavy cannabis user develops CHS, suggesting that certain people may be more biologically predisposed to this reaction than others. Additionally, high-potency products like concentrates, dabs, and strong edibles may accelerate the onset in those at risk.

If you’ve used cannabis for years without issues but have recently developed persistent nausea or vomiting, it could be a sign that your body is no longer processing THC the same way. Recognizing this shift early is key to avoiding unnecessary medical testing and discomfort. 

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) typically doesn’t appear overnight. It develops gradually , often after months or even years of consistent, heavy cannabis use. This slow onset is part of what makes it so difficult to recognize—many people don’t suspect cannabis could be the cause of their symptoms because they’ve used it for years without issue.

The condition begins subtly in what’s known as the prodromal phase , marked by intermittent nausea , reduced appetite, and a general sense of digestive unease—especially in the mornings. Users may try increasing their cannabis intake to manage the discomfort, assuming it’s anxiety or an unrelated stomach problem. Ironically, this can worsen the underlying issue, as continued THC exposure pushes the body closer to full-blown CHS.

Eventually, many users enter the hyperemetic phase , where symptoms escalate to intense, repeated vomiting, sharp abdominal pain , and compulsive hot bathing. These episodes can be so severe that they lead to emergency room visits , IV fluid therapy, or hospitalization due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Unfortunately, without proper diagnosis, individuals often leave the hospital without answers—and resume cannabis use, starting the cycle again.

Once cannabis use is stopped, the recovery phase begins. Symptoms usually resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks, and the digestive system gradually returns to normal. However, if cannabis is reintroduced—even after a long break—the symptoms typically return. This pattern of resolution and relapse is one of the defining characteristics of CHS.

While Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) can technically affect anyone who uses cannabis, certain factors significantly raise the risk. The most common thread among CHS patients is long-term, high-frequency THC use —particularly when involving high-potency products like dabs, concentrates, and strong edibles.

The individuals most at risk include:

• Daily or near-daily cannabis users , especially over the span of months or years
  
  

• People who consume high doses of THC regularly (10mg+ per serving or multiple sessions per day)
  
  

• Users of high-potency concentrates , such as wax, shatter, live resin, or distillate vapes
  
  

• Individuals who started using cannabis at a young age and have built significant tolerance
  
  

• Those with a history of nausea or GI issues , who may already have sensitive digestive systems
  
  

Demographic trends also show that young adults (18–40) are the most commonly diagnosed group, possibly due to higher cannabis consumption rates in this age bracket. There’s no clear evidence that gender plays a major role, though some data suggests slightly higher rates in males—likely due to usage patterns rather than biology.

There’s also growing speculation that genetic factors could influence susceptibility to CHS. While research is ongoing, some individuals may be more prone to ECS (endocannabinoid system) dysfunction or have underlying metabolic traits that make them less tolerant to chronic THC exposure .

Importantly, casual or infrequent cannabis users are unlikely to experience CHS . If you only use cannabis occasionally for stress or sleep, this syndrome is extremely rare. But if you’re someone who uses THC daily and have started noticing unexplained bouts of nausea or vomiting, especially relieved by hot showers, it may be time to evaluate your usage patterns.

The most effective—and currently the only consistently successful—treatment for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is complete cessation of cannabis use . While this may be difficult for regular users, especially those who rely on THC for sleep, anxiety, or pain, stopping cannabis is often the only way to break the cycle of recurring nausea and vomiting.

Once cannabis use is halted, most individuals begin to see rapid improvement within 24 to 72 hours . Full recovery can take a few days to a couple of weeks , depending on how long the individual has used cannabis and the severity of their symptoms. In nearly all confirmed CHS cases, symptoms do not return unless THC is reintroduced .

During acute episodes, symptom management may involve:

• IV fluids to treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
  
  

• Antiemetic medications (though many CHS cases are resistant to standard anti-nausea drugs)
  
  

• Pain relief for abdominal cramping
  
  

• Hot showers or baths for temporary symptom control
  
  

• Hospital observation in severe cases
  
  

Some emergency departments now recognize CHS and may counsel patients directly to discontinue cannabis use as part of treatment. However, since there’s no quick pharmaceutical fix for CHS, long-term relief requires behavioral change—not just medication.

For chronic users, quitting cannabis may require support from a healthcare provider, especially if dependency has developed. Options include:

• Gradual tapering if abrupt cessation causes anxiety or withdrawal
  
  

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or addiction counseling
  
  

• Temporary use of non-THC alternatives like CBD or herbal remedies to manage sleep or stress during the transition
  
  

Ultimately, recovery from CHS depends on recognizing the connection between cannabis use and symptoms—and making the decision to stop. Once this link is acknowledged and THC is eliminated, most individuals make a full and lasting recovery 

If you’re a regular cannabis user and have experienced recurring nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain , especially if these symptoms improve with hot showers or only go away when you take a break from THC, you may be dealing with Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) . While the condition can be frustrating and disruptive, the good news is that it’s completely reversible in most cases—if caught early and addressed properly.

Here’s what you should do if you suspect you have CHS:

1. Stop Using Cannabis Immediately

The most important step is to completely stop using all forms of THC , including flower, vapes, edibles, tinctures, and concentrates. Even small doses can prolong symptoms if you’re already sensitized. Most people begin to feel better within a few days of abstinence.

2. Don’t Self-Medicate With More Cannabis

It’s common to assume that more cannabis will help the nausea, especially if that’s why you started using it in the first place. But in CHS, this backfires— increased THC makes symptoms worse and delays recovery.

3. Seek Medical Attention If Symptoms Are Severe

If you're vomiting repeatedly, unable to keep food or fluids down, or experiencing dehydration or weight loss, go to the nearest urgent care or emergency room. Be honest with the medical team about your cannabis use history —it’s essential for a proper diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary tests or treatments.

4. Stay Hydrated and Rest

Support your body through the recovery phase by drinking fluids with electrolytes and eating small, bland meals. Avoid spicy, greasy, or acidic foods that can irritate the stomach further.

5. Consider Professional Support

If stopping cannabis feels overwhelming—especially if you’ve been using it daily for months or years—consider reaching out to a doctor or counselor for help. There are resources for tapering off, managing withdrawal symptoms, and replacing cannabis with non-THC alternatives where appropriate.

Catching CHS early can prevent multiple ER visits , avoid unnecessary medications, and restore quality of life. If you notice that your symptoms follow a pattern tied to your cannabis use, listen to your body and take action .

1. What is CHS?

CHS, or Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, is a condition in which long-term cannabis use causes recurring nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain—often relieved by hot showers or baths.

2. What causes CHS?

Though not fully understood, CHS is believed to result from prolonged THC overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system, leading to dysregulation of nausea and digestion control in the brain and gut.

3. What are the symptoms of CHS?

Key symptoms include:

• Morning nausea
  
  

• Cyclical vomiting
  
  

• Abdominal cramping
  
  

• Relief from hot showers
  
  

• Loss of appetite
  
  

4. Who is at risk of developing CHS?

CHS primarily affects daily or heavy users of high-THC cannabis, especially those using concentrates or edibles. It’s more common in young adults (18–40), but can affect anyone with long-term use.

5. How is CHS diagnosed?

CHS is a diagnosis of exclusion , often confirmed when other causes are ruled out and symptoms resolve after stopping cannabis. The presence of hot shower relief is a strong diagnostic clue.

6. How do you treat CHS?

The only proven treatment is complete cannabis cessation . Supportive care—like hydration, rest, and antiemetics—may help in the short term, but symptoms will continue unless THC use stops.

7. Is CHS common?

CHS is considered uncommon but is increasingly reported, particularly in areas with legal access to high-potency cannabis products. Many experts believe it is underdiagnosed.