Emergency rooms across the United States are seeing a growing number of patients suffering from a little-known condition informally called “scromiting.” While the name may sound alarming, the condition is not contagious and typically does not cause permanent damage. However, it can be extremely distressing—and it primarily affects long-term cannabis users.
The term “scromiting” is a combination of “screaming” and “vomiting,” describing the intense physical reaction many patients experience. Medically, the condition is known as Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). It is marked by severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea, and uncontrollable vomiting that can occur multiple times per hour.
Symptoms often begin within 24 hours of cannabis use and may last for several days. Many individuals experience repeated episodes throughout the year, sometimes returning to the hospital several times before the condition is correctly identified. This delay in diagnosis can lead to repeated emergency visits and significant medical costs.
Despite cannabis being widely known for its anti-nausea effects, CHS appears to have the opposite impact in certain long-term users. Medical experts believe that chronic overstimulation of the body’s endocannabinoid system may interfere with its normal ability to regulate nausea and vomiting. However, the exact biological mechanism remains unclear.
One of the most unusual features of CHS is that patients often report temporary relief from hot showers or baths. Some rely on prolonged exposure to hot water to ease symptoms, although the relief is short-lived and not a cure.
Treating CHS is challenging. There are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically for the condition, and commonly used anti-nausea drugs are frequently ineffective. While hospital care can help manage dehydration and pain during acute episodes, it does not prevent recurrence.
Medical professionals emphasize that the only proven way to stop CHS entirely is to discontinue cannabis use. Many patients resume use once symptoms fade, only to experience another episode—creating a repeating cycle that can be difficult to break.
As cannabis use becomes more widespread, awareness of conditions like CHS is increasingly important. Recognizing the symptoms early may help reduce repeated hospital visits and prevent prolonged suffering.