What is scromiting (cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome)?


What is scromiting (cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome)?
Luke Sholl

Scromiting, or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, is a rare condition that causes extreme vomiting, nausea, and other related symptoms in chronic cannabis users.

Scromiting, or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, is a rare condition believed to be caused by chronic cannabis use. It's usually characterized by excessive vomiting, extreme nausea, and more.

But usually cannabis is revered for its antiemetic properties, with countless patients around the world looking to the plant for relief from nausea, vomiting, and other related symptoms.

However, research shows that cannabis can also have the opposite effect, essentially causing nausea and vomiting in some patients.

In fact, recent research shows that long-term chronic cannabis use can in fact cause cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition characterized by constant vomiting, nausea, and other gastrointestinal problems.

WHAT IS CANNABINOID HYPEREMESIS SYNDROME (OR “SCROMITING”)?

What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (or “scromiting”)?

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, colloquially known as “scromiting” (a combination of screaming and vomiting), is a condition believed to be caused by chronic cannabis use.

The condition is characterized by a number of symptoms, including:

  • Excessive vomiting
  • Extreme nausea
  • Gastrointestinal discomfort
  • Abdominal pain

Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of literature on cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. The condition is relatively new and poorly understood. People suffering from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome will usually shower frequently, claiming that the showers help relieve their symptoms.

Two main studies have explored cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome; one by Australian researchers in 2004, and another published by researchers from Philadelphia in 2013.[1][2]

The latter study suggests that cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome usually affects long-time chronic users. The study found that the average duration of cannabis use before the onset of symptoms was around 16 years, while the earliest onset of symptoms was around 3 years.

HOW TO BEAT CANNABINOID HYPEREMESIS SYNDROME

How to beat cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome

Obviously the best way to beat cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is to stop using cannabis. The Australian study mentioned above found that quitting cannabis use eventually relieved the symptoms of the condition in all but one of the participating patients.

Another popular way of alleviating the symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis is a hot shower. The Australian study we mentioned earlier, for example, found that all participating patients “displayed an abnormal washing behaviour” when dealing with symptoms.

According to the study done in Philadelphia, researchers suggest that hot showers might help temporarily correct an imbalance in the body’s thermoregulatory system produced by over stimulation of the hypothalamus.

Nonetheless, the positive effects of hot showers tend to be temporary and the best way to deal with cannabinoid hyperemesis is still to completely stop the consumption of cannabis and seek the help of a doctor.

If you’re a regular cannabis smoker, the best way to avoid cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is to avoid abusing the drug, and possibly explore healthier ways to ingest it, such as vaping.

References

  1. ^ NCBI, Cannabinoid hyperemesis: cyclical hyperemesis in association with chronic cannabis abuse, retrieved December-19-2018
    Link
  2. ^ NCBI, Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, retrieved December-19-2018
    Link

Luke Sholl
Luke Sholl

Fascinated by the wellness potential of nature, Luke has spent over a decade writing about cannabis and its vast selection of cannabinoids. Creating, researching and writing content for Cannaconnection, alongside several other industry-related publications, he uses strong technical SEO skills and diligent research to bring evidence-based material to thousands of unique visitors.