A mysterious and severe disorder colloquially known as 'scromiting' is leading to a noticeable increase in emergency room visits across the United States, prompting global health bodies to take formal note. The World Health Organization (WHO) has now officially recognised this alarming condition, which is medically termed Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).
What is Scromiting or CHS?
On October 1, global health officials added this syndrome to its diagnostic manual, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). For the first time, it has been assigned dedicated diagnostic codes: R11.16 in ICD-10 and DD90.4 in ICD-11. This formal classification, also adopted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will help track the global surge and burden of the disease.
The term 'scromiting' was coined by emergency room staff, blending the words 'screaming' and 'vomiting'. It describes a brutal side effect experienced by some chronic cannabis users. The syndrome is characterised by cyclical episodes of severe nausea, intense abdominal pain, and uncontrollable vomiting, often leading to repeated hospitalisations.
The Link Between Long-Term Cannabis Use and CHS
Research firmly points to prolonged cannabis consumption as the primary cause. A significant study published earlier this year in the Annals of Emergency Medicine by researchers from The George Washington University highlighted this link. Professor Andrew Meltzer, the lead author, stated that their findings suggest CHS could represent a costly and largely hidden public health problem.
The study surveyed 1,052 people who reported CHS symptoms, revealing disturbing trends:
- 85% required at least one emergency department visit.
- 44% reported at least one hospitalisation due to their symptoms.
- Using cannabis early in life and daily use were strongly associated with higher odds of ER visits.
- Among the group, 40% of respondents used marijuana more than five times daily.
Professor Meltzer stressed the urgent need for clinicians to advise frequent cannabis users about these risks, as many patients remain unaware that their debilitating symptoms are connected to their cannabis use.
A Growing and Complex Public Health Concern
While more data is needed to pinpoint exact prevalence, experts agree the condition is rising in tandem with increasing numbers of daily or near-daily cannabis users in the US. The recognition by WHO underscores its growing significance.
Adding another layer of complexity, a 2025 study from Arizona State University published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a potential environmental link. Researchers discovered that elevated levels of Fusarium mycotoxins in illicit cannabis samples from Arizona and California were associated with CHS. These toxins, known to cause vomiting, could potentially worsen the syndrome's symptoms.
The formal codification of CHS marks a critical step in understanding, diagnosing, and addressing this distressing disorder. It enables better data collection, raises awareness among both medical professionals and the public, and highlights the significant health burdens associated with long-term, high-frequency cannabis use.
