CDC Reports Sharp Rise in Emergency Room Visits for Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome Among Frequent Marijuana Users

A new CDC report reveals a 16% surge in emergency room diagnoses of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) from October 2025 to May 2026, driven largely by the introduction of a specific diagnostic code that improved clinical tracking. The syndrome, which causes severe vomiting and abdominal pain in frequent marijuana users, was identified in nearly 200,000 ER visits since 2023. The highest rates of the illness were recorded among youth aged 15 to 24, prompting calls for increased public awareness and research into high-potency THC products.

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome ER visits

• ▪Federal researchers identified nearly 200,000 cannabis hyperemesis syndrome-related emergency department visits in the United States between January 2023 and May 2026
• ▪The highest rate of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome emergency room visits from October 2025 through May 2026 occurred among individuals aged 15 to 24, at 38.7 visits per 10,000 visits
• ▪The largest increases in cannabis hyperemesis syndrome diagnoses were observed in individuals aged 15 to 24, teenage girls and women, Black Americans, and American Indian and Alaska Natives
• ▪Hospital emergency room diagnoses of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome rose 16% from October 2025 to May 2026, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report

New ICD diagnosis code impact

• ▪The sharp rise in recorded cannabis hyperemesis syndrome cases is largely attributed to a new, specific diagnostic code for the condition that went into effect in October 2025
• ▪Prior to October 2025, tracking cannabis hyperemesis syndrome required combining separate diagnostic codes for nausea and vomiting with codes for cannabis use

CHS symptoms in frequent users

• ▪Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is a condition seen in frequent marijuana users, particularly smokers, and is characterized by recurring nausea, uncontrollable vomiting, and excruciating abdominal pain
• ▪An estimated 2.75 million Americans suffer from cannabis hyperemesis syndrome each year, according to past research cited in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report

Rising daily marijuana use

• ▪Hospital emergency room visits for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome have been rising alongside increases in daily recreational marijuana use in the United States
• ▪The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that earlier exposure to marijuana and consumption methods like vaping and dabbing may contribute to high rates of the syndrome in youth

Underdiagnosis by healthcare providers

• ▪The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called for increased awareness of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome among clinicians and the public, alongside more research into high-potency THC products
• ▪Experts state that cannabis hyperemesis syndrome has historically been underdiagnosed because doctors may not have known about a patient's marijuana use or attributed symptoms to other illnesses