Heavy pot use can lead to syndrome

SANDUSKY — Experts agree that using marijuana is much less harmful than using hard drugs or alcohol. And it's also generally agreed that marijuana has legitimate medical uses, for people dealing with pain, nausea and other conditions. But that doesn't mean "weed" has no health hazards. Heavy use of marijuana, particularly over the long term, can cause a condition called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which is also known as CHS. The illness isn't well known, and estimates of how common it is are difficult to come by. Experts admit they don't really know. One survey suggested that millions of Americans may be affected by the condition, which can cause severe nausea and vomiting. The only known cure is to give up marijuana. "One study found that 32.9% of self-reported frequent marijuana users who came to an emergency department for care met the criteria for CHS," according to an article on the Cleveland Clinic's website. "With the widespread use, increased potency and legalization of marijuana in multiple states in the U.S., CHS may be becoming increasingly common." A 2015 study, "The Prevalence of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Among Regular Marijuana Smokers in an Urban Public Hospital," estimated that about 2.8 million Americans might have the condition. A New York Times article on the problems of heavy marijuana use, published earlier this month, offered a rough estimate of 6 million Americans but did not provide a citation. Correlation with legalization There's apparently general agreement that cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome cases probably are rising as marijuana legalization continues to expand in the U.S. The Cleveland Clinic states syndrome symptoms include nausea, repeated vomiting, very bad stomach pain, fear of throwing up and a loss of appetite. It can cause "scromiting," a term for screaming while you vomit. The condition is potentially dangerous. "Hot baths and showers tend to help reduce or curb the symptoms. Many people with CHS will compulsively shower or bathe — often for hours every day — to relieve CHS symptoms," the Cleveland Clinic article states. Quitting marijuana solves the problem, although getting rid of symptoms can take weeks. Ohio voters last year approved recreational marijuana sales for adults 21 and over. The sales began in early August in dispensaries that formerly had sold only medical marijuana to licensed patients. Ohio also has wide open, unregulated sales of Delta 8 THC, a form of "marijuana light" sold by merchants taking advantage of a loophole in federal law. Gov. Mike DeWine has called for a ban on the sales, or at least regulation to keep young people from buying it, but state lawmakers have taken no action so far. According to webmd.com, regular use of Delta 8 THC can likely cause cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Few words of warning Although wide-open weed use can increase the chances of Ohioans developing cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, state authorities so far have made little effort to educate Ohio residents. On Aug. 9, just after marijuana sales began in Ohio, the Ohio Department of Commerce issued a press release, "Ohioans Urged to Be Cautious and Responsible if Using Cannabis." It offered plenty of good advice: Don't use it in public. Store it safely so kids and pets can't get to it. Don't mix it with booze and other drugs. Don't drive when you are stoned. Be cautious about use if you are under 25. But cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome went unmentioned. Similarly, a search at the state health department's website for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome turns up many hits, but no results that appear to be relevant. The Cleveland Clinic, however, has taken the lead in educating Ohioans about CHS. A search for "Cleveland Clinic CHS marijuana" on your favorite search engine, without the quotation marks, will turn up a detailed briefing. The article notes that quitting marijuana is the only known treatment, although medicines can be taken by patients dealing with symptoms. Quitting can be hard, but addiction treatment is available for people who need help, the article states.