By P. Casey Arrillaga, LCSW, LCDC
As marijuana is increasingly legalized and accepted in the United States, many people think of it as harmless and even beneficial. While there are many people for whom that may be true, there are also dangers associated with marijuana use that are becoming more threatening as THC levels in commercially-grown marijuana are growing stronger. One such danger, marijuana hyperemesis, will be the focus of this post.
What We Know So Far
Marijuana hyperemesis (AKA cannabinoid hyperemesis or cannabinoid vomiting syndrome) is a condition in which someone using marijuana regularly and seemingly safely suddenly finds themselves vomiting over and over. This can go on for hours or even days, to the point that the person becomes dehydrated and in medical danger. Unsurprisingly, there is often abdominal pain. Once an episode of repeatedly vomiting is over, the symptoms may go away for weeks or months, only to return again without warning.
To make matters worse, when a person is in this state, typical medications that bring nausea and vomiting under control don’t work. It may seem ironic that marijuana is often prescribed as an anti-nausea drug, but it is known in the medical community to induce vomiting as well as keep it under control. Unfortunately, given that people often associate marijuana with nausea control, and many people are unaware of marijuana hyperemesis, they may try to use more of the drug to control the vomiting, thus increasing the problem and putting themselves in greater danger.
When someone is experiencing marijuana hyperemesis, the most effective way to get the nausea and vomiting under control is to stop using marijuana and take very hot baths until the nausea subsides. Notably, while stopping marijuana use seems to be essential to getting symptoms under control, this still takes hours or days to work. Because marijuana hyperemesis is not known to a lot of users, they may have no idea that marijuana is the cause, so unless they get medical help from someone who is aware of the risks and asks appropriate screening questions, they may go through a lot of distress and danger without finding a solution.
Reports of marijuana hyperemesis have been increasing at a rate of about 8% per year, and cases have been reported all over the world. One of the most likely causes of this is the increase in in acceptance and legalization of marijuana use. While some of this is ostensibly being done for medical purposes, it is clear that recreational use is a primary motivation for many people who support this change.
Often, an argument is made that marijuana is “all natural” and thus safe, even good for you. This line of reasoning overlooks the fact that as legalization has increased, so have marijuana breeding techniques and thus levels of THC, the active ingredient that makes marijuana use so popular. The THC concentration in marijuana and related products has more than doubled over the past 20 years. With increased potency comes increased risk, risk that is often glossed over or simply never known until it is too late. In some ways, the world of marijuana use is undergoing a change similar to what the world of alcohol experienced when distilled liquor became easily available: individuals and society are seeing the effects of greatly increased potency in something that had already been around and accepted for a long time.
It is currently thought that marijuana hyperemesis may occur primarily or even exclusively in people who were already susceptible to cyclic vomiting disorders, and high levels of cannabinoid use brings a dormant condition out in them. This is not known for certain, but more importantly, there is currently no way to know who is at risk and who is not, let alone how great that risk is for a given person. Thus, anyone ingesting high levels of THC is rolling the dice. The longer they use marijuana and related products, the greater the chances that marijuana hyperemesis will happen.
People who have mental heath issues are at additional risk if they experience marijuana hyperemesis, because vomiting and the resultant dehydration will often reduce the levels of any psychiatric medication they are taking, leaving them at risk for increased mental heath symptoms. Unfortunately, they may use more marijuana to deal with those symptoms, and they can get into a downwards spiral without realizing that what seems like a potential help is actually the source of the problem.
How Do We Use This Knowledge to Help People?
First and foremost, if you or someone you love seems like they may be experiencing these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. The dangers of dehydration and related issues is very real. Tell your medical providers in detail about any use marijuana and related products. Make sure they are familiar with marijuana hyperemesis so that accurate diagnosis and proper care can be given.
At Windmill, we make it our business to stay on top of the latest research and care protocols for anything related to addiction and other mental health issues. While we are unlikely to have someone enter treatment solely because of marijuana hyperemesis, we help many clients to see the unknown dangers of chemical use and how to move away from it. As marijuana has become more accessible and accepted, we have seen more people come into treatment with addictive use of marijuana and related products as their main presenting problem. We help such people see the full danger they are putting themselves in, and we give them the tools they need to get out of cycle of compulsive use. Most importantly, we help them see they can live happy and fulfilling lives without the use of marijuana or any other drug.
The Bottom Line
Marijuana is not the harmless, “all natural” drug that many think it is. Marijuana hyperemesis is not the only danger it poses, or even the worst, but it is one that many people do not realize exists. Thus, increased education is vital to keep people safe. When someone realizes that their marijuana use is compulsive and problematic, help is available.
About The Author
P. Casey Arrillaga is the Team Leader for Education at Windmill Wellness Ranch, and he is the author of books including “Realistic Hope: The Family Survival Guide for Facing Alcoholism and Other Addictions”.
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