# Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Psychiatric Approach

**Authors:** Bibian K Anibueze, Adebayo Emmanuel

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.102152 · 2026-01-23

## TL;DR

This paper discusses a rare condition called Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome, focusing on a case involving psychiatric and medical challenges due to long-term cannabis use.

## Contribution

The paper presents a unique case of CHS managed in a psychiatric setting and emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary collaboration.

## Key findings

- CHS can manifest with drug-induced psychosis and cyclical vomiting in chronic cannabis users.
- Early recognition of CHS is challenging due to its similarity to other gastrointestinal disorders.
- A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for managing CHS and related substance misuse.

## Abstract

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a rare complication presenting with recurrent episodes of intractable nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain that manifests in chronic cannabis use. Here, we report a case of a young male admitted to an inpatient psychiatric ward with drug-induced psychosis, who developed a cyclical vomiting illness on a background of long-term cannabis use. This case, characterised by recurrent emergency department presentations, weight loss, and medical complications, highlights the challenges associated with early recognition and diagnosis of CHS. We discuss the available literature on CHS and proposed management options. We highlight the difficulty of managing substance misuse-related pathologies with the stigma attached, and the importance of collaboration across various disciplines, whilst ensuring a holistic and multidisciplinary approach.

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** TRPV1 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1) [NCBI Gene 7442] {aka VR1}, HFM1 (helicase for meiosis 1) [NCBI Gene 164045] {aka MER3, POF9, SEC63D1, Si-11, Si-11-6, helicase}, FBL (fibrillarin rRNA 2'-O-methyltransferase) [NCBI Gene 2091] {aka FIB, FLRN, Nop1, RNU3IP1}, TAC1 (tachykinin precursor 1) [NCBI Gene 6863] {aka Hs.2563, NK2, NKNA, NPK, TAC2}, CNR1 (cannabinoid receptor 1) [NCBI Gene 1268] {aka CANN6, CB-R, CB1, CB1A, CB1K5, CB1R}, PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) [NCBI Gene 5111] {aka ATLD2}
- **Diseases:** abdominal pain (MESH:D015746), sleep disruption (MESH:D019958), anxiety (MESH:D001007), electrolyte abnormalities (MESH:D014883), schizophrenia (MESH:D012559), CHS (MESH:D002189), oesophagitis (MESH:D000077277), bony lesion (MESH:D000070896), Psychiatric (MESH:D001523), substance use (MESH:D019966), paranoia (MESH:D010259), pain (MESH:D010146), fracture (MESH:D050723), gastroenteritis (MESH:D005759), inflammation (MESH:D007249), bowel obstruction (MESH:D012778), OGD (MESH:D005764), trauma (MESH:D014947), CVS (MESH:C536228), intracranial mass (MESH:C536030), anxiety disorders (MESH:D001008), vomiting (MESH:D014839), burns (MESH:D002056), scleroderma (MESH:D012595), drug misuse (MESH:D009293), learning disability (MESH:D007859), fatigue (MESH:D005221), AKI (MESH:D058186), diarrhoea (MESH:D003967), low mood (MESH:D019964), suicidal ideation (MESH:D001072), Nausea and (MESH:D009325), emergency (MESH:D004630), weight loss (MESH:D015431), toxicity (MESH:D064420), left kidney stone (MESH:D007669), Hyperemesis Syndrome (MESH:D006939), dehydration (MESH:D003681), polymyositis (MESH:D017285), hydronephrosis (MESH:D006869), anticholinergic (MESH:D064807), psychosis (MESH:D011618), gastrointestinal disorders (MESH:D005767), death (MESH:D003643), Connective tissue disease (MESH:D003240), intracranial bleed (MESH:D013345), cannabinoid withdrawal syndrome (MESH:D013375), auditory hallucinations (MESH:D006212), hiccups (MESH:D006606), Diverticular disease of the large bowel (MESH:D000076385), acute abdomen (MESH:D000006), Hiatus hernia (MESH:D006551), poor appetite (MESH:D001068), oesophageal or gastric lesions (MESH:D013272), emetic (MESH:D020250), depression (MESH:D003866)
- **Chemicals:** Delta-9-THC (MESH:D013759), haloperidol (MESH:D006220), risperidone (MESH:D018967), water (MESH:D014867), aprepitant (MESH:D000077608), droperidol (MESH:D004329), propranolol (MESH:D011433), omeprazole (MESH:D009853), benzodiazepines (MESH:D001569), potassium (MESH:D011188), olanzapine (MESH:D000077152), Paliperidone (MESH:D000068882), double (-), CBD (MESH:D002185), folate (MESH:D005492), cannabinoids (MESH:D002186), alcohol (MESH:D000438), Amitriptyline (MESH:D000639), vitamin B12 (MESH:D014805), endocannabinoid (MESH:D063388), capsaicin (MESH:D002211)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12925600/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12925600