Why ‘Scromiting’ Is a Growing Health Risk for Heavy Users?
“Scromiting” is a slang term for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a rare but increasingly common condition in heavy cannabis users that can trigger cyclic vomiting and the urge to take hot showers for temporary relief.
As cannabis becomes more available, more potent, and more socially accepted, the conversation around its less glamorous effects is finally catching up. CHS (short for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome) isn’t anti-weed propaganda or a moral panic. It’s a real, medically recognized condition that can turn a daily smoking habit into a cycle of intense nausea, severe vomiting, and a desperate need for hot showers—one of the few things that temporarily ease symptoms. In this article, we break down the essentials about this health condition in a clear, no-nonsense way. Learn what exactly CHS is and why it happens, how it’s treated when symptoms strike, and how prevention starts with responsible, honest public-health messaging—especially for heavy users.
What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)?
One of the most alarming conversations in cannabis health today centers on a condition that seems paradoxical: severe nausea and vomiting caused by chronic cannabis consumption. This condition is formally known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).
CHS is a debilitating condition that occurs in long-term, heavy users of cannabis. Though the exact physiological mechanism is still being studied, experts believe the body’s cannabinoid receptors (especially in the gut) become dysregulated from constant overstimulation by high doses of THC.
The condition gained public attention due to the severe nature of its symptoms, leading to the colloquial and graphic portmanteau: “scromiting” (a combination of screaming and vomiting), reflecting the intense distress and pain that the affected person or patient might experience.
The Three Phases of CHS
CHS does not manifest instantly. It typically progresses through three distinct, recognizable phases, demonstrating a clear pattern of long-term cannabis overuse.
1. The Prodromal Phase
This is the early warning stage. Symptoms are often mild and include:
- Intermittent nausea, particularly in the morning.
- Discomfort or pain in the abdomen.
- A feeling of “doom” or impending illness.
- Crucially, many users increase their cannabis use during this phase, believing it will alleviate the nausea—a behavior that only worsens the underlying condition.
2. The Hyperemetic Phase
This is the phase that drives patients to the emergency room (ER). It is defined by the hyper-severe, unrelenting symptoms of:
- Cyclic vomiting that can occur multiple times an hour.
- Intense, burning abdominal pain.
- Profound dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to fluid loss.
3. The Recovery Phase
Recovery begins when the individual completely stops using cannabis. Symptoms gradually subside, and the patient begins to feel much better, usually within days to weeks. Reintroducing cannabis at any point can trigger the cycle again.
The Misdiagnosis of Scromiting in U.S. Clinics and ERs
A significant barrier to managing the rising number of CHS cases is a lack of awareness among some medical professionals, particularly in states new to the cannabis market.
Because the main symptoms—cyclic vomiting and abdominal pain—overlap with common gastrointestinal disorders like Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS), CHS is frequently misdiagnosed. This leads to treatments involving standard anti-nausea drugs, which are often completely ineffective for CHS sufferers.
The key to diagnosis is the patient’s history. A medical professional must inquire about their cannabis use and look for two tell-tale signs: the severity of the vomiting and the patient’s unique method of symptom relief (see below). In addition, patients should also be frank about their consumption. Otherwise, effective treatment can be delayed for days or even weeks.
The CHS Treatment Paradox: The Hot Shower & The Cure
A hallmark feature of the hyperemetic phase of CHS is the bizarre, yet consistent, compulsion of patients to take frequent, long, and intensely hot showers or baths. For reasons related to the re-regulation of body temperature and the cannabinoid receptors, the hot water is often the only thing that provides temporary relief from the agonizing nausea.
While a hot shower can provide temporary comfort, the only definitive cure for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome is complete and permanent cessation of all cannabis use.
For patients in the acute hyperemetic phase, treatment in the hospital focuses on:
- Rehydration via IV fluids.
- Electrolyte replenishment.
- In some cases, specific medications like capsaicin cream or benzodiazepines may be used to manage acute symptoms, but these are often secondary to abstinence.
Why is CHS on the Rise? (Potency & Legalization)
Recent studies, including those published in 2025, show a clear uptick in hospital admissions linked to CHS in areas with established cannabis markets. “Although considered rare, there has been a steady increase in CHS diagnoses in the Emergency Department (ED),” remark the authors in one of the studies.
This upsurge is largely attributed to two factors:
- Increased Frequency of Use: As cannabis becomes socially and legally acceptable in U.S. states—for example, most recently in Ohio, Missouri, or New York—consumption patterns are shifting toward daily or multiple-times-daily use.
- Soaring Potency: The widespread availability of highly potent cannabis products in regulated dispensaries—such as concentrates (dabs, wax) and high-dose edibles—has driven the average THC intake much higher than in the pre-legalization era. Because CHS is a condition linked to over-stimulation of the body’s cannabinoid system, these high-potency products accelerate the risk for chronic users.
Final Safety Warnings and Responsible Consumption
If you notice that you or someone in your close circle of friends is experiencing symptoms such as intermittent morning nausea, abdominal discomfort, or a compulsion to take hot showers for nausea relief, and has a background of long-term cannabis use, you should:
- Stop using cannabis immediately.
- Consult a medical professional and be open about the frequency and quantity of your cannabis consumption.
If you’re a consumer, a budtender, a medical patient, or just someone who cares about staying informed, this is a conversation worth having. Cannabis can be beneficial, however, understanding CHS ensures people can use it safely, consciously, and with the full picture in mind.
Medical Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing severe nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, seek immediate medical attention.
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Stephen Andrews
