{"id":40875,"date":"2026-01-22T06:00:06","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T11:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=40875"},"modified":"2026-03-23T06:49:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T10:49:50","slug":"can-you-be-genetically-pre-disposed-to-cannabinoid-hyperemesis-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/can-you-be-genetically-pre-disposed-to-cannabinoid-hyperemesis-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Be Genetically Pre-Disposed To Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?"},"content":{"rendered":"

People recognize cannabis for its recreational high, but more and more studies showcase its potential therapeutic efficacy for managing many ailments, <\/span>including nausea and pain<\/span><\/a>. However, the other end of the spectrum contains cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition in which cannabis consumption <\/span>amplifies <\/span><\/i>nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting instead of potentially reducing them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Researchers confirm the existence of this horrible gastrointestinal syndrome and its effects, but let\u2019s also explore why CHS happens to only some cannabis consumers and not a lot of others.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?<\/b><\/h2>\n

CHS is a condition that <\/span>plagues some heavy cannabis consumers<\/span><\/a> after high THC consumption. Symptoms include nausea, abdominal pains and aches, and cyclical vomiting. Australian researchers first coined the term \u2018cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome\u2019 in a 2004 study that explored the <\/span>correlations between heavy cannabis consumption<\/span><\/a> and a string of cyclical vomiting incidents.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many people use cannabis and cannabis products like concentrates for a variety of potential benefits, including gastrointestinal issues. CHS brings a completely different dynamic to the table\u2014no potential therapeutic properties of cannabis can resolve it. A sample size survey study from 2018 determined that heavy users of cannabis consume for at least 20 days a month, while further estimating around <\/span>2.75 million people<\/span><\/a> in the U.S. are susceptible to CHS annually.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Why Is CHS So Prevalent Now?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Researchers now consider CHS a public health issue, emerging over the last 20 years. CHS was previously considered more of a rare syndrome; however, it\u2019s expected to be more prevalent as more U.S. states institute <\/span>adult-use and medical marijuana programs<\/span><\/a> within their respective borders. There are three main factors involved in the rise of CHS cases.<\/span><\/p>\n

Potency<\/b><\/h3>\n

Many of today\u2019s tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-dominant, psychoactive powerhouse strains top out well over the average of about <\/span>17\u201328% THC<\/span><\/a> from several years ago. This is a 212% increase in flower potency since the mid 90s.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Concentrates aren\u2019t messing around, either; many high-quality extractions are capable of producing products in the <\/span>95% THC range<\/span><\/a>. These high levels of THC have the potential to affect the psychological health of individuals with pre-existing mental health issues, as well as <\/span>some <\/span><\/a>adolescents whose <\/span>brains are still developing<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Availability<\/b><\/h3>\n

A large swath of U.S. states either legalized medical marijuana, adult-use marijuana, or both. Dispensaries rake in <\/span>record-breaking sales<\/span><\/a> year after year post-legalization\u2014safe to say consumers aren\u2019t going anywhere. A local dispensary is now as common as a pizza place in many neighborhoods, dispelling stigmas while also attracting a lot of new consumers to the lifestyle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Black and gray markets still thrive despite legalization, with a large percentage of consumers seeking these networks out to save considerably compared to legal markets. These alternative means of obtaining some green also have their drawbacks. Dealers don\u2019t test products for contaminants and potency, potentially activating psychological effects and adverse health conditions in consumers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Popularity\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

The availability of cannabis and concentrates appeals to many as an alternative to other dangerously addictive drugs, like the ubiquity of alcohol in our society. Weed as an option to \u2018take the edge\u2019 off is popular due to its concealability in products like beverages, vapes, edibles, and the overall <\/span>lack of \u2018hangover\u2019-like effects<\/span><\/a> the next day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Popular culture is also full of portrayals of weed in a more laid-back light, while hip-hop artists infuse their love of the plant into the lyrics for any number of top hits. These factors also tend to bring in younger generations of consumers, who may be unaware of the potential heavy use can have on them at such an early age.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

READ: Everything You’ll Want To Know About Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

CHS May Affect the Endocannabinoid System\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Previous <\/span>studies establish a correlation<\/span><\/a> between heavy and prolonged cannabis use and a desensitization of transmitters in the <\/span>human endocannabinoid system<\/span><\/a> (ECS). CB1 receptors, in particular, may lose the ability to regulate enzyme balance and signals in the gastrointestinal system that activate feelings of nausea and vomiting. Dysfunction and desensitization in the CB2 receptor\u2019s ECS activity also lead to regular vomiting and nausea.<\/span><\/p>\n

Genetic Pre-Dispositions May Heavily Influence CHS<\/b><\/h3>\n

Researchers recently discovered the <\/span>possibility of genetic predispositions<\/span><\/a> that may be at the root of CHS. A 2022 dataset study by renowned cannabis researcher E.B. Russo examines the role of genetics concerning CHS.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Heavy consumers of about 4 grams of high THC weed were broken into two groups: consumers suffering from symptoms of CHS and consumers who didn\u2019t. The CHS group <\/span>displayed several different mutations<\/span><\/a> found in the following genes:<\/span><\/p>\n