Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome Cases Surge in Virginia

What is this condition and why is it on the rise?

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Emergency department visits linked to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) have increased nearly 29% over a five-year period in Virginia. CHS is a condition that can cause recurring episodes of severe nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting in long-time cannabis users. Some have referred to the combination of CHS symptoms as 'scromiting,' which includes intense screaming brought on by pain.

Why it matters

The rise in CHS cases in Virginia highlights the potential health risks associated with long-term cannabis use, especially as more states legalize the drug. Understanding this condition and its symptoms is important for healthcare providers and the public to address this emerging public health issue.

The details

According to data from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, there were 24,960 total visits associated with CHS specifically from 2020-2024, with annual visits rising from 4,027 in 2020 to 5,175 in 2024. Additionally, there were 172,778 adult emergency department visits for cannabis abuse, dependence or poisoning diagnoses over the same period, peaking at 37,690 visits in 2022. CHS is believed to be caused by receptors in the brain no longer responding to marijuana as they had before after 10-12 years of chronic use. Treatments can include IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, and hot showers, but the only cure is to stop using cannabis.

  • From 2020-2024, annual adult emergency department visits for cases of cannabis abuse, dependence, poisoning diagnoses, and CHS all rose in Virginia.
  • In 2020, there were 4,027 visits associated with CHS specifically.
  • In 2024, the number of CHS-related visits had increased to 5,175.

The players

Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association Data Analytics Teams

The organization that provided the data on the rise in CHS and cannabis-related emergency department visits in Virginia.

Cedars Sinai

A healthcare provider that has outlined the symptoms and potential causes of CHS.

Dr. Sam Wang

A pediatric emergency medicine specialist and toxicologist at Children's Hospital Colorado who has commented on the use of hot showers to treat CHS symptoms.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's pretty universal for these patients to say they need a really, really hot shower, or a really hot bath, to improve their symptoms.”

— Dr. Sam Wang, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Specialist and Toxicologist (CNN)

The takeaway

The surge in CHS cases in Virginia underscores the need for greater public awareness and medical understanding of the potential health risks associated with long-term cannabis use. As more states legalize the drug, healthcare providers and policymakers will need to address this emerging public health issue.