Man describes horrific ‘Scromiting’ reaction as cannabis side effect sends thousands to ER

CHS episodes typically occur within 2 4 hours of cannabis use and can last for several days. What makes the condition especially troubling is that traditional anti-nausea medications often fail to provide relief.

“There are currently no therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and standard anti-nausea medications often don’t work,” said Dr. Chris Buresh, an emergency medicine specialist, describing the challenges clinicians face when treating CHS.

Patients frequently report cyclical episodes. One man was admitted to the emergency room four or five times within six months. He described a “burning” and “agonizing” pain centered in his abdomen, accompanied by relentless vomiting. Many CHS patients attempt to self-soothe with extremely hot showers — a behavior so common it’s considered a hallmark of the condition. In his case, the pain was so severe that he required morphine for relief.

Another individual compared the sensation to childbirth, calling it “some of the worst physical pain I’ve ever experienced in my life.” During episodes, she said she found herself pleading for the pain to stop.

Medical professionals emphasize that the only definitive treatment for CHS is cessation of cannabis use. Symptoms may subside temporarily, but if cannabis consumption continues, episodes often return — sometimes more severely.

“Because the syndrome strikes intermittently, some cannabis users assume a recent episode was unrelated and continue using — only to become severely ill again,” explained Dr. Beatriz Carlini, research associate professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine.