Cases of ‘scromiting’ condition tied to cannabis use spike among teens, young adults

A painful and increasingly common condition linked to frequent cannabis use is sending a growing number of young Americans to emergency rooms. Known medically as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), the disorder causes cyclical bouts of severe nausea, excruciating abdominal pain, and uncontrollable vomiting. Its grim nickname, “scromiting,” is a portmanteau of screaming—due to the intense distress—and vomiting . A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a significant spike in CHS-related ER visits, particularly among teenagers and young adults, challenging previous assumptions about who is most at risk and how quickly the syndrome can develop .

New Data Reveals a Troubling Rise Among the Young

The CDC report analyzed emergency department data from approximately 7,500 healthcare facilities across the United States. Between January 2023 and May 2026, nearly 200,000 ER visits related to cannabis hyperemesis syndrome were recorded . While rates remained relatively stable for much of this period, a dramatic “abrupt, sustained increase” was observed starting in October 2025 . This spike coincided with the World Health Organization’s addition of a specific diagnostic code (ICD-10-CM) for CHS, a move that has improved recognition and reporting of the condition, suggesting its public health impact was previously underestimated .

The CDC’s findings revealed a demographic trend that surprised researchers. The highest rate of CHS-related ER visits was among patients aged 15 to 24. In the eight months following the new diagnostic code’s introduction, this age group had a rate of nearly 39 visits per 10,000, a sharp jump from the average of 10 per 10,000 recorded prior to the coding change. The next-highest age group, 25-to-34-year-olds, had a rate of 28 per 10,000. In comparison, the national average during the same post-code period was nearly 12 per 10,000 . This age trend was particularly surprising because CHS has historically been associated with long-term, chronic cannabis use over several years .

Why Are Young People Affected?

The emergence of CHS in younger age groups is a key concern. CDC scientist Alana Vivolo-Kantor, the study’s first author, noted that the finding raised questions about how early young patients had begun using cannabis . Researchers theorized that the trend may be linked to a combination of factors: starting cannabis use at an earlier age, the use of more potent products, and evolving consumption methods like vaping and dabbing (inhaling highly concentrated THC oils) .

Experts point to the rising potency of cannabis products as a critical factor. The average THC content in marijuana has increased significantly from the 1990s, and products like vape cartridges can contain up to 90% THC . “Older data suggested CHS to occur after prolonged use but we are now seeing patients with CHS after only a few years of heavy cannabinoid use,” explained Dr. Sam Torbati, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Cedars-Sinai. “This may be due to the higher potency of products which have much higher THC concentrations than in the past” . The CDC report also noted that emerging evidence suggests symptom onset can occur much sooner than previously estimated, including within the first year of use .

Understanding the Condition and Its Symptoms

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is characterized by a specific set of symptoms that often follow a distinct pattern. While the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to be linked to the body’s cannabinoid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract becoming dysregulated after prolonged and heavy exposure to THC .

The Three Phases of CHS

CHS typically progresses through three phases :

1. Prodromal Phase: This early stage can last for months or years. It is characterized by mild nausea, stomach discomfort, and a loss of appetite, often occurring in the morning.

2. Hyperemetic Phase: This is the acute, active stage of the syndrome. Patients experience overwhelming, recurrent vomiting, severe and unrelenting abdominal pain, and intense nausea. In severe cases, the pain is so great that patients cry out or scream, leading to the term “scromiting” . A hallmark feature of this phase is that symptoms are often temporarily relieved by taking a hot shower or bath, which is a key indicator for doctors . This is the stage when most patients seek emergency medical care.

3. Recovery Phase: Symptoms subside after the patient stops using cannabis entirely, though it can take days, weeks, or even months for the body to fully recover . If cannabis use is resumed, symptoms typically return.

The Danger and The Only Cure

While the syndrome is not fatal on its own, it can lead to dangerous complications from severe vomiting, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and in rare cases, kidney failure or a torn esophagus . There is no medication that can cure CHS. While emergency rooms can provide IV fluids and anti-nausea drugs to manage acute symptoms, the only definitive and lasting treatment is complete abstinence from all cannabis products . Dr. Joshua Smith, an addiction medicine specialist at Henry Ford Health, emphasized this point, stating, “There’s really only one cure for it, which is to stop using marijuana or cannabis products” .

Conclusion: A Call for Greater Awareness

The new CDC data paints a clear picture: cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is a growing and serious public health issue, with a surprising and troubling impact on the nation’s youth. Experts attribute the rise to a combination of better diagnosis, the use of more potent cannabis products, and earlier initiation of use. The findings underscore a critical need for greater awareness among both the public and healthcare providers regarding the potential risks of frequent cannabis use. The CDC report calls for continued surveillance and more research into the role of high-potency THC products, along with educational efforts to prevent the cause of CHS: cannabis use, particularly among young people .