What is ‘scromiting’? US citizens warned about terrifying cannabis side effect

These cycles can last for hours to days. One notable characteristic reported by clinicians is that individuals often seek relief through hot showers or baths. While this behavior is not harmful in itself, physicians observe that the temporary improvement from heat exposure can be a clue pointing toward CHS rather than other gastrointestinal conditions.

Emergency physician Dr. Chris Buresh explains that common anti-nausea medications are often less effective for CHS than they are for other causes of vomiting. As a result, clinicians may use alternative strategies, such as topical capsaicin creams or specific medications, to manage symptoms in the short term. However, these treatments do not resolve the underlying cause.

Why Does CHS Happen?

Despite growing research, scientists still do not fully understand why only some cannabis users develop CHS. One leading theory involves overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors in the body that regulates mood, appetite, memory, and the gastrointestinal system.

Cannabis interacts with this system in complex ways. At low to moderate levels, cannabis can reduce nausea—a reason it is used medically in some settings. But in cases of heavy or prolonged use, researchers theorize the system may become dysregulated, producing the opposite effect.

Dr. Buresh notes that susceptibility appears to vary widely. Some individuals develop symptoms after many years of use, while others experience CHS after shorter periods. There is no known “safe threshold,” and dosage does not always predict vulnerability.

Who Is Most at Risk?
Although CHS can affect adults of any age, emerging data shows an increase in adolescent presentations. A recent study from George Washington University analyzing more than 1,000 CHS cases found:

Early first-time cannabis use correlated with higher risk

More frequent users were more likely to require emergency care

Teens and young adults showed a significant rise in CHS cases between 2016 and 2023

Interestingly, adolescent CHS cases increased even in states where recreational cannabis is not legal. Researchers suggest that unregulated products may vary in potency, composition, or contaminants, though additional studies are needed.

Meanwhile, states with legalized cannabis tended to see higher overall CHS incidents among adults, likely due to greater availability and higher-potency products.

CHS Gains Global Recognition
Scromiting: The Disturbing Side Effect of Cannabis Use