Frequent cannabis use is sending more people to emergency rooms with episodes of severe nausea, uncontrollable vomiting and abdominal pain, according to a new report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study also observed that teenagers and young adults are among the groups that were most affected with these symptoms. The study, published August 6 in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), analysed emergency department data from January 2023 through May 2026. Researchers identified 199,565 emergency visits involving cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) during that period. CHS is a condition linked with frequent, prolonged cannabis use. It can cause repeated episodes of intense nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In severe cases, repeated vomiting can result in dehydration and other related complications. Why Are The Cases Rising Among Young Population? A new diagnosis code specifically for CHS was introduced in the US on October 1, 2025. Before that, doctors often had to identify CHS by combining codes for vomiting with codes indicating cannabis use. It meant that several cases were missed or dismissed and diagnosed as another gastrointestinal problem. After the new code was introduced, CHS-related emergency visits jumped from 3.35 per 10,000 emergency visits in September 2025 to 11.26 per 10,000 in October. Between October 2025 and May 2026, the average monthly proportion was 3.7 times higher than the monthly average recorded before the new code was introduced. CDC researchers, however, caution that this does not necessarily mean CHS itself suddenly became 3.7 times more common. Better recognition and reporting most likely can explain the increase. The researchers wrote that “the abrupt, sustained increase” may be due to better recognition and testing. The highest proportion of CHS-related emergency visits was seen among younger patients between the age of 15–24 years. Among visits recorded after the new diagnostic code was introduced, this age group accounted for an average of 38.70 CHS-involved visits per 10,000 emergency visits, compared with 28.28 among people aged 25–34. The number of females were also higher than males. Researchers added that this pattern could also be due to earlier use of cannabis use combined with frequent consumption of THC products. Also read: Think Marijuana Helps Relax? New Study Links Cannabis With Higher Levels Of Stress HormoneWarning SignsCHS typically causes nausea, uncontrollable vomiting and severe abdominal pain. A few patients reported temporary relief from very hot showers or baths. The condition can be difficult to recognise because its symptoms overlap with other causes of vomiting. The researchers also say that CHS can occur sooner after cannabis use than previously thought and may remain undiagnosed for years. Stopping cannabis use completely is considered the key step in preventing repeated episodes of CHS. Also read: Cannabis-Based Treatment Shows Promise In Easing Agitation In Dementia: New Clinical TrialSide Effects Of Cannabis Frequent cannabis use can lead to the following side effects: Impairment of memory, attention, coordination and decision-makingSlow reaction time, reflexes and impair driving abilityIncrease in heart rate and blood pressure shortly after useHarm to the lung tissue Increase the risk of cannabis use disorder Mental health problems including anxiety, depression and psychosisHarm to developing brain, especially when used during adolescence