Written by Dra Rocio Vargas
A Hidden Risk Few Expect
Imagine being on vacation, enjoying the vibrant streets of Medellín or Bogotá, when sudden waves of nausea strike. The sickness is relentless, and the only thing that seems to help is taking a hot shower. Within hours, the vomiting returns, sending you to the emergency room for the second time in a week. Doctors eventually give a diagnosis most people have never heard of: Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).
While cannabis is often associated with relaxation or therapeutic relief, CHS tells a different story. This little-known condition is becoming more common worldwide, especially in places where access to cannabis is widespread. For tourists and locals who use cannabis frequently, it is important to understand what CHS is, how it develops, and why it can turn into a medical emergency.
What is Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome
CHS is a condition seen in long-term, frequent cannabis users. The main symptoms include persistent nausea, abdominal pain, and repeated vomiting that can last for hours or even days. One of the most unusual features of CHS is that sufferers often find temporary relief by taking hot showers or baths. Standard medications for nausea usually do not work, which often confuses doctors who are unfamiliar with the condition.
Researchers believe CHS is linked to overstimulation of certain receptors in the body that respond to cannabinoids, although the exact cause is still being studied. What is clear is that the symptoms stop only when cannabis use is discontinued.
Rising Cases in Emergency Rooms
In the United States, hospital visits related to CHS have increased significantly since cannabis was legalized in several states. Emergency physicians in Colorado reported that visits for vomiting doubled after legalization. In Canada, emergency departments also noted more patients presenting with vomiting linked to heavy cannabis use.
A recent study found that emergency room encounters for CHS among American adolescents rose nearly 50 percent each year between 2016 and 2023, with higher numbers in states where recreational cannabis is easily available. These statistics suggest that CHS is not a rare curiosity but an emerging public health concern.
The Role of Potency and Quality
Frequent use of high-potency cannabis appears to be the biggest risk factor for developing CHS. Stronger strains and concentrated products expose the body to higher levels of cannabinoids, which may overwhelm natural tolerance over time.
The situation becomes more complicated when cannabis is purchased on the street. In Colombia and other countries, street cannabis can be contaminated with mold, pesticides, or even toxic solvents. While these substances may not directly cause CHS, they can worsen vomiting, abdominal pain, and overall toxicity. For travelers who are unfamiliar with local products, using unregulated cannabis can quickly lead to confusion in the emergency room, since the symptoms mimic food poisoning or chemical exposure.
How Doctors Identify and Treat CHS
Diagnosing CHS can be tricky because its symptoms look similar to stomach viruses, gastritis, or other gastrointestinal problems. The key clues are frequent cannabis use, repeated episodes of vomiting, and temporary relief from hot showers.
There is no simple pill that cures CHS. The only effective long-term treatment is stopping cannabis altogether. In emergency settings, doctors may use intravenous fluids to treat dehydration and correct electrolyte imbalances. Some research suggests that medications like haloperidol or topical capsaicin cream can help during acute attacks, but these are temporary measures until the patient discontinues cannabis.
A Case Example from Colombia
Consider the case of a 28-year-old man in Bogotá who relied on street cannabis to manage chronic pain. Over several months, he began experiencing episodes of uncontrollable vomiting, sometimes lasting more than 24 hours. Hot showers offered brief relief, but the symptoms always returned. After multiple trips to the emergency department and failed treatments with standard anti-nausea medications, doctors recognized the pattern of CHS. Once he stopped using cannabis, the vomiting episodes disappeared, only to return when he tried smoking again.
This case reflects what many hospitals in the United States and Europe are already reporting, yet it remains underrecognized in Latin America.
Guidance for Locals and Travelers in Colombia
For anyone living in or visiting Colombia, understanding CHS is vital. Tourists often assume all cannabis carries the same risks as back home, but quality, potency, and contamination vary widely. If you experience repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, and relief with hot showers, it is important to seek medical attention and mention your cannabis use to the doctor.
At the same time, many travelers are curious about local laws and wonder is weed legal in Colombia. While this is a valid question, the more pressing concern for both locals and visitors should be whether the cannabis they are using is safe and whether they understand the potential health risks, including CHS.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome is a rare but increasingly recognized condition that challenges the idea of cannabis as a harmless substance. The growing number of emergency room visits shows how important it is to educate both patients and travelers about the risks of frequent, high-potency, or contaminated cannabis.
For those who use cannabis for therapeutic reasons, the lesson is not only to be aware of CHS but also to ensure safe, regulated access whenever possible. For tourists in Colombia or anywhere else, the best protection is knowledge. Recognizing the signs of CHS early can prevent repeated hospital visits and, most importantly, guide users toward safer choices for their health.
If you are ready to begin or adjust your cannabis treatment in Colombia, booking an appointment is the simplest and safest step you can take. You can contact me, Dr. Rocio Vargas. I am a physician specialized in medical cannabis treatments; I will be happy to guide you with professional and personalized care. Schedule a consultation
