FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Emergency department visits linked to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) have risen nearly 29% over the past five years in Virginia, according to new data from the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association.
CHS is a condition associated with long-term, high-dose cannabis use. It causes recurring episodes of severe nausea, abdominal pain, and persistent vomiting. While cannabis is often promoted for its anti-nausea effects, medical experts say chronic heavy use can have the opposite impact in some individuals.
An analysis by the association found that from 2020 to 2024, emergency room visits related to CHS increased significantly across the Commonwealth, reflecting what health officials describe as a growing public health concern.
Dr. Chris Holstege, director of the Blue Ridge Poison Center at University of Virginia Health, said there are two primary reasons cases appear to be rising.
First, he noted, cannabis products today are often far more potent than those available in previous decades. Higher concentrations of THC — the psychoactive compound in marijuana — increase the risk of adverse reactions among frequent users.
Second, overall cannabis use has expanded in recent years, particularly following changes in state laws that legalized recreational marijuana in Virginia. With greater availability and social acceptance, more people are using cannabis regularly, increasing the number of individuals potentially at risk for CHS.
Patients with CHS frequently seek emergency care because symptoms can be intense and debilitating. Some individuals require IV fluids or hospitalization due to dehydration caused by persistent vomiting.
Health professionals say awareness remains limited, and many patients do not initially associate their symptoms with cannabis use. Treatment typically involves stopping cannabis consumption, which doctors say is currently the only proven long-term solution.
Medical experts encourage residents experiencing recurring unexplained nausea and vomiting — especially those who use cannabis regularly — to consult a healthcare provider.
As emergency room visits continue to climb statewide, healthcare officials say education about the risks of high-dose, long-term cannabis use will be key in addressing the trend.
