
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): What You Might Consider
One of my coworkers has been suffering some gut health issues for the last little while and during one of her recent medical visits Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome came up. This is probably a newer conversation between doctors and their patients as folks weren’t really having open conversations with their MD’s about their Cannabis use and to be real a lot of Dr. ‘s were pretty ignorant around the subject. My coworker asked me if I had any intel on the subject and while I was aware of it I really knew very little.
So I entered the chat.
I belong to a what’s app group for women in the regulated cannabis industry. It is here where women in the space share their ideas, their updates, their frustrations and their successes. It is made up of women from all sectors including budtending, production, sales and marketing, retail prioprietors, buyers etc. There are women who are new to the industry and women who have deep roots in the pre regulated space and we all exist in relative harmony. When I reached out to see if anyone had any resources I was floored by the response. In that singal chat there were multiple people who had either experienced CHS and or who knew someone directly who had experienced it. This got us all to wondering…Why.
What we know
In recent years, cannabis has moved into the mainstream, transforming how many of us think about health, wellness, and recreation. But with this newfound perspective comes a need for a deeper understanding of its impacts—both positive and negative. One of the emerging issues from my lens is Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome, or CHS. This little-discussed condition deserves a closer look, especially as questions arise about modern cultivation practices and product potency.
What Is CHS?
CHS is a condition that causes recurrent nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in individuals who consume cannabis regularly, often in high amounts. The irony is not lost on many: a plant touted for its anti-nausea properties can, in some cases, trigger exactly what it’s meant to alleviate. While the exact causes of CHS remain unclear, it’s a wake-up call for consumers and industry professionals alike.
Does the Glut of High-THC Products Increase CHS Risk?
Since legalization in 2017, many cannabis producers have focused heavily on producing product with sky-high THC levels. In my opinion we’ve commoditized THC as opposed to working with the full plant. THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, has become the star of the show, often at the expense of other cannabinoids like CBD, which may offer protective effects against some of THC’s harsher impacts. Could this shift be contributing to the rise of CHS? Is the influence of the Tobacco industry enticing folks to consume more? When I say tobacco influence I mean flavoured vapes and large format packages of pre rolled products that make higher levels of consumption easier.
The answer isn’t definitive, but for me there’s cause for concern. High-THC products may overwhelm the body’s endocannabinoid system, particularly in frequent users, potentially triggering CHS. Strains with a balanced cannabinoid profile—combining THC with CBD and other compounds—might reduce this risk. Consumers would do well to educate themselves about the cannabinoid content of their chosen products and consider whether moderation or variety in their cannabis use could be beneficial.
The “Factory Farming” of Cannabis: Does It Impact Quality?
In Canada’s legal cannabis market, large-scale producers dominate the landscape, aiming to meet demand with industrial-scale operations. While this approach ensures accessibility, it raises questions about quality. Is the “factory farming” of cannabis compromising the integrity of the flower?
Many cannabis connoisseurs argue that mass-produced cannabis often prioritizes yield and THC content over nuanced quality. Terpene profiles, which play a role in supporting cannabis in its flavor and therapeutic benefits, can suffer when plants are grown in less-than-ideal conditions. Smaller, craft growers often pay more attention to these details, preserving the plant’s full potential. For consumers concerned about quality, seeking out producers who prioritize artisanal methods over sheer volume may be a step in the right direction. The curing process for large scale producers who are rushing to market is often what I call “Flash Fry” where the product is put in drying rooms to produce a product that is ready to package in under a week. This flash fry method also produces flowers with higher THC as some of the THCA is decarbed in this higher heat approach. Additionally many large scale producers are battling mold outbreaks and have to irradiate their harvests to remediate spores. So how does this impact quality?
Grading Cannabis: Honoring Historical Systems
Historically, cannabis grading systems—like the traditional A, AA, AAA, and AAAA ratings—helped consumers understand the quality of the flower they were purchasing. These systems considered everything from appearance and aroma to potency and effects. As the legal cannabis industry in Canada matures, there’s an opportunity to adopt a standardized grading system that recognizes these historical benchmarks while integrating modern science.
Such a system could empower consumers to make informed choices and elevate the industry’s credibility. It could also help differentiate between high-quality, small-batch products and large-scale, factory-grown offerings, making it easier for consumers to align their purchases with their values and needs.
But I digress…
Is CHS on the Rise?
Emerging data suggests that CHS diagnoses are becoming more common. This could be due to increased awareness among healthcare providers, higher rates of cannabis use, or the prevalence of ultra-potent products. Whatever the reason, CHS is no longer a fringe concern.
Education is key. Both consumers and industry leaders need to understand the potential risks associated with heavy cannabis use and the role that cultivation practices and product diversity play in mitigating those risks. By fostering transparency and encouraging informed consumption, we can work toward a healthier, more sustainable cannabis culture.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis holds incredible promise as a tool for wellness, but like any tool, it must be used wisely. The rise of CHS is a reminder that we need to strike a balance—between innovation and tradition, potency and moderation, accessibility and quality. As consumers, we have the power to shape the industry by demanding better standards, supporting ethical growers, and staying informed about the products we use.
By fostering a thoughtful approach to cannabis, we can ensure that its benefits far outweigh its risks, paving the way for a healthier, more conscious future.
I’m grateful to be in a place where I can voice these concerns. I’m grateful for the women in the Whats App group who share so freely.
My coworker isn’t convinced that she is suffering CHS but it has opened up a portal for all of us at the shop. We are all paying more attention to what folks are consuming, how they are consuming and listening to the nuances of the feedback we are hearing. We want to be part of a conscious consumption movement and its discussions like this that keep us on track.
Is Cannabis Hypermesis Syndrom on the Rise?
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): What You Might Consider
One of my coworkers has been suffering some gut health issues for the last little while and during one of her recent medical visits Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome came up. This is probably a newer conversation between doctors and their patients as folks weren’t really having open conversations with their MD’s about their Cannabis use and to be real a lot of Dr. ‘s were pretty ignorant around the subject. My coworker asked me if I had any intel on the subject and while I was aware of it I really knew very little.
So I entered the chat.
I belong to a what’s app group for women in the regulated cannabis industry. It is here where women in the space share their ideas, their updates, their frustrations and their successes. It is made up of women from all sectors including budtending, production, sales and marketing, retail prioprietors, buyers etc. There are women who are new to the industry and women who have deep roots in the pre regulated space and we all exist in relative harmony. When I reached out to see if anyone had any resources I was floored by the response. In that singal chat there were multiple people who had either experienced CHS and or who knew someone directly who had experienced it. This got us all to wondering…Why.
What we know
In recent years, cannabis has moved into the mainstream, transforming how many of us think about health, wellness, and recreation. But with this newfound perspective comes a need for a deeper understanding of its impacts—both positive and negative. One of the emerging issues from my lens is Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome, or CHS. This little-discussed condition deserves a closer look, especially as questions arise about modern cultivation practices and product potency.
What Is CHS?
CHS is a condition that causes recurrent nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in individuals who consume cannabis regularly, often in high amounts. The irony is not lost on many: a plant touted for its anti-nausea properties can, in some cases, trigger exactly what it’s meant to alleviate. While the exact causes of CHS remain unclear, it’s a wake-up call for consumers and industry professionals alike.
Does the Glut of High-THC Products Increase CHS Risk?
Since legalization in 2017, many cannabis producers have focused heavily on producing product with sky-high THC levels. In my opinion we’ve commoditized THC as opposed to working with the full plant. THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, has become the star of the show, often at the expense of other cannabinoids like CBD, which may offer protective effects against some of THC’s harsher impacts. Could this shift be contributing to the rise of CHS? Is the influence of the Tobacco industry enticing folks to consume more? When I say tobacco influence I mean flavoured vapes and large format packages of pre rolled products that make higher levels of consumption easier.
The answer isn’t definitive, but for me there’s cause for concern. High-THC products may overwhelm the body’s endocannabinoid system, particularly in frequent users, potentially triggering CHS. Strains with a balanced cannabinoid profile—combining THC with CBD and other compounds—might reduce this risk. Consumers would do well to educate themselves about the cannabinoid content of their chosen products and consider whether moderation or variety in their cannabis use could be beneficial.
The “Factory Farming” of Cannabis: Does It Impact Quality?
In Canada’s legal cannabis market, large-scale producers dominate the landscape, aiming to meet demand with industrial-scale operations. While this approach ensures accessibility, it raises questions about quality. Is the “factory farming” of cannabis compromising the integrity of the flower?
Many cannabis connoisseurs argue that mass-produced cannabis often prioritizes yield and THC content over nuanced quality. Terpene profiles, which play a role in supporting cannabis in its flavor and therapeutic benefits, can suffer when plants are grown in less-than-ideal conditions. Smaller, craft growers often pay more attention to these details, preserving the plant’s full potential. For consumers concerned about quality, seeking out producers who prioritize artisanal methods over sheer volume may be a step in the right direction. The curing process for large scale producers who are rushing to market is often what I call “Flash Fry” where the product is put in drying rooms to produce a product that is ready to package in under a week. This flash fry method also produces flowers with higher THC as some of the THCA is decarbed in this higher heat approach. Additionally many large scale producers are battling mold outbreaks and have to irradiate their harvests to remediate spores. So how does this impact quality?
Grading Cannabis: Honoring Historical Systems
Historically, cannabis grading systems—like the traditional A, AA, AAA, and AAAA ratings—helped consumers understand the quality of the flower they were purchasing. These systems considered everything from appearance and aroma to potency and effects. As the legal cannabis industry in Canada matures, there’s an opportunity to adopt a standardized grading system that recognizes these historical benchmarks while integrating modern science.
Such a system could empower consumers to make informed choices and elevate the industry’s credibility. It could also help differentiate between high-quality, small-batch products and large-scale, factory-grown offerings, making it easier for consumers to align their purchases with their values and needs.
But I digress…
Is CHS on the Rise?
Emerging data suggests that CHS diagnoses are becoming more common. This could be due to increased awareness among healthcare providers, higher rates of cannabis use, or the prevalence of ultra-potent products. Whatever the reason, CHS is no longer a fringe concern.
Education is key. Both consumers and industry leaders need to understand the potential risks associated with heavy cannabis use and the role that cultivation practices and product diversity play in mitigating those risks. By fostering transparency and encouraging informed consumption, we can work toward a healthier, more sustainable cannabis culture.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis holds incredible promise as a tool for wellness, but like any tool, it must be used wisely. The rise of CHS is a reminder that we need to strike a balance—between innovation and tradition, potency and moderation, accessibility and quality. As consumers, we have the power to shape the industry by demanding better standards, supporting ethical growers, and staying informed about the products we use.
By fostering a thoughtful approach to cannabis, we can ensure that its benefits far outweigh its risks, paving the way for a healthier, more conscious future.
I’m grateful to be in a place where I can voice these concerns. I’m grateful for the women in the Whats App group who share so freely.
My coworker isn’t convinced that she is suffering CHS but it has opened up a portal for all of us at the shop. We are all paying more attention to what folks are consuming, how they are consuming and listening to the nuances of the feedback we are hearing. We want to be part of a conscious consumption movement and its discussions like this that keep us on track.