Research suggests that early and prolonged cannabis use may increase the likelihood of developing CHS. A study from George Washington University surveying more than 1,000 CHS patients found strong associations between heavy cannabis use and repeated emergency room visits for severe vomiting episodes.
Notably, adolescent cases have risen sharply. From 2016 to 2023, CHS-related cases among young people reportedly increased more than tenfold. Interestingly, while overall CHS cases tend to be more common in states where cannabis is legal — likely reflecting higher usage rates — the fastest growth in adolescent cases has occurred in states where recreational cannabis remains illegal.
