Cannabis Use Is Common in Patients with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

The interaction between cannabis and vomiting is complicated. Cannabis has long been used effectively as an antiemetic in patients with cancer or other vomiting disorders. But, paradoxically, users may develop cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition whereby episodic vomiting is related to the regular use of cannabis.

This dichotomy leaves providers in a conundrum when diagnosing patients who present with vomiting and have a history of ongoing cannabis use. Such patients may have cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), a disorder characterized by episodic severe nausea and vomiting interspersed with more normal periods. Or they may have CHS, for which the criteria are quite similar to those for CVS, but they include resolution of symptoms du…