Publisher’s note: From Lance Orr, Barton Health medical director of the Emergency Department, “We have seen patients that match the flu-like illness described in this article. Medically speaking, this is referred to as ‘cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.’ Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting and are related to heavy or long term marijuana use. If the patient continues to use marijuana, symptoms are likely to persist and we have seen patients with this condition return to the Emergency Department. Fortunately, symptoms typically resolve if the patient abstains from marijuana. Though this medical advice is not always taken by patients, the Emergency Department staff and physicians have seen firsthand how heavy marijuana use can cause and prolong this syndrome.”

By Mary Papenfuss, Huffington Post

A mysterious marijuana-related illness is popping up with increasing frequency in hospital emergency rooms, particularly in states where cannabis is now legal.

The symptoms are severe abdominal pain and violent vomiting — and most doctors are initially stumped when they encounter patients with the problem.

The illness is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which is linked to heavy, long-term use of marijuana, according to experts. For some reason, the nausea and vomiting of CHS can be relieved with hot showers or baths, which can serve as an important hint for physicians trying to diagnose a patient.

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