If you’re over a certain age, you’ll remember the strong stigma around cannabis that existed until about 20 years ago. While many places still treat it as a serious drug, public opinion has clearly shifted—especially in the U.S., where recreational use is now legal in 24 states.
Today, far fewer people see cannabis as dangerous, and it’s easy to imagine a future where it’s no longer taboo. But the drug still carries real risks, and one of the least-known dangers is something called “scromiting.”
Cannabis affects the brain in many ways, from relaxation to anxiety and paranoia. In rare cases, it can even trigger psychosis. A growing concern, however, is Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), which causes extreme nausea, severe vomiting, and intense stomach pain.
Hospitals have reported a rise in CHS cases over the last decade. The term “scromiting” was created because patients often scream in pain while vomiting. Attacks usually appear within 24 hours of cannabis use and can last for days.
Doctors say standard anti-nausea treatments often don’t work. Some sufferers describe the pain as worse than childbirth, and many require emergency treatment. Hot showers can temporarily help, but the only real cure is to stop using cannabis completely.
Research shows that heavy and long-term cannabis use increases the risk of CHS. A recent study found that adolescent cases in the U.S. have risen sharply since 2016. While CHS is more common in states where cannabis is legal, younger users are increasingly affected even in states where it remains illegal.
As cannabis becomes more accepted, experts warn that people should also be aware of its potential serious side effects.