Remember when people went to jail for growing and smoking pot? Marijuana or cannabis is a recreational drug that also provides relief to those suffering nausea and pain resulting from various medical conditions and treatments for cancer. It’s still illegal in most states, but some now view it in the same light as drinking alcohol. However, we all know people who have succumbed to the ravages of alcoholism, leading to cirrhosis of the liver and other fatal diseases. And now, a new disease connected with using marijuana has been identified. Beware! Cannabis can be deadly.
Emergency rooms have seen an increasing number of people—young and old—with unexplained nausea and vomiting. There are hundreds of different reasons why someone presents with these symptoms. Anything ranging from food poisoning to heart disease. It takes a while to rule out all of those possibilities.. And because it’s a fairly new phenomenon, CHS is difficult to diagnose . Especially if the patient doesn’t mention that they’ve been using marijuana for several years. With no ill effects—until now.
What is CHS? According to Cedars-Sinai Hospital: “Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a condition that leads to repeated and severe bouts of vomiting. It is rare and only occurs in daily long-term users of marijuana.
Marijuana has several active substances. These include THC and related chemicals. These substances bind to molecules found in the brain. That causes the drug “high” and other effects that users feel.
Your digestive tract also has a number of molecules that bind to THC and related substances. So marijuana also affects the digestive tract. For example, the drug can change the time it takes the stomach to empty. It also affects the esophageal sphincter. That’s the tight band of muscle that opens and closes to let food from the esophagus into the stomach. Long-term marijuana use can change the way the affected molecules respond and lead to the symptoms of CHS.
Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug in the U.S. Young adults are the most frequent users. A small number of these people develop CHS. It often only happens in those who have regularly used marijuana for several years. Often CHS affects those who use the drug at least once a day.”
Cessation of marijuana is the only treatment for CHS. Gastroenterologists warn that if left untreated, it can lead to dehydration, pneumonia, damage to the esophagus, and death. As smoking marijuana becomes more acceptable in mainstream society, it’s important to remember that it could also make you very sick. Beware:! Cannabis can be deadly