USA - A new study found that cannabis use could be linked to a syndrome that results in uncontrollable vomiting and screaming called "scromiting" after recreational use has been legalized in much of the United States.
Emergency departments in Colorado, among others, have reported a growing number of patients in recent months with uncontrollable vomiting, also known as cyclic vomiting syndrome (CFS).
More than 2013 people were admitted to hospital wards for CFS in Colorado between 2018 and 800.000. The report suggests that numbers surged after cannabis was legalized in the state in 2012.
The researchers said that vomiting may be a symptom of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a syndrome that occurs in heavy, long-term cannabis users.
The study authors concluded: “The findings of this study suggest that the legalization of cannabis in Colorado is associated with an increase in the annual number of vomiting-related health problems related to exposure to these markets”.
“It may be helpful for healthcare clinicians to be aware of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome and to inquire about cannabis use if needed.”
Another study in 2020 also suggested that one in five people suffering from CFS were regular cannabis users.
Scromiting: uncontrollable screaming and vomiting
This is not new. A few months ago, “a new, mysterious condition” was reported, nicknamed “scromiting” because common symptoms reportedly include screaming and vomiting, is on the rise in parts of the US where recreational cannabis has been legalized.
This rare side effect of cannabis use — described as a psychotic episode — has left users across America vomiting profusely and screaming uncontrollably.
Unsurprisingly, the official name of the condition is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), but health professionals refer to it as "scromiting."
CHS can be real and heavy users should be aware of this unpleasant condition which can lead to hospitalization.
Sources include AmericanAddictionCenters (EN), Canex (EN), Newsport Academy (EN),Yahoo(EN)
1 comment
I don't know anyone with the problem.
Also strange that this has not been known from the Netherlands since the 70s, or at least the 90s when the weed got stronger. There are probably a number of long-term “heavy” users in the Netherlands.
A new scare is found around cannabis every few years.
The UK has been good at manufacturing fear around cannabis for years, and it's not a theme there (yet), but we can wait for it.
I rather think of mass hysteria and people who, possibly a little paranoid due to too much weed, start to believe in these kinds of things and then it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.