CHS
Full name
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
What it is
Paradoxical nausea/vomiting from chronic cannabis exposure, despite the antiemetic reputation of cannabinoids.
Mechanism
Most supported: TRPV1 desensitization after chronic exposure. Cannabinoids inhibit TRPV1 at high doses; chronic exposure → dysregulated emetic circuits.
Hot showers and capsaicin
Both stimulate TRPV1 — hence why hot showers provide relief and capsaicin applied topically is a documented CHS treatment. This is the key diagnostic clue distinguishing CHS from other vomiting syndromes.
Why it matters for Vitals
CHS is an example of how cannabis effects can invert with chronic exposure. “Cannabis = calming / anti-nausea” is an oversimplification.
Clinical flag
Persistent vomiting + compulsive hot shower behavior = think CHS before “stomach bug.”