CHS Resources

The contents of this page are intended to support medical professionals, CHS patients and their caregivers gain a deeper understanding of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) and get quick access to the existing science on the topic.

Videos

CannMed 2024 by Medicinal Genomics; Dr. Ethan Russo speaks on “Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): Unraveling the Gordian Knot“

---

CReDO Science Webinar on CHS presented by Dr. Ethan Russo, board certified neurologist.

This webinar addresses:

1) Discussion of history, signs & symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)
2) Results of the largest CHS study to date: survey responses & genomic analysis with its implications
3) Some thoughts on treatment & future direction for CHS research

---

Shango Los, the host of Shaping Fire, a highly regarded cannabis industry educational podcast, interviews board certified neurologist and renowned psychopharmacology research and medicinal cannabis expert Dr. Ethan Russo about his team’s Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) Genomic Testing Results. The full interview can be found here:

For your convenience the questions below have been hyperlinked to the corresponding point in the interview.

Topic (hyperlinked to the time stamp topic is discussed)
What has caused the increased prevalence of CHS?
What are the symptoms of CHS?
Has anyone died from CHS?
What does someone with CHS experience?
How did the survey work? (recruitment/participation)
How were subjects recruited?
What was the THC use among survey respondents and what were you looking for in the survey?
Can you discuss the difference between the control subjects vs. CHS patients?
Even though the sample was small, were relevant results achieved?
How does someone become susceptible to CHS? What genes are involved?
Explanation of COMT Gene involved in CHS
Explanation of TRPV-1 involved in CHS
Why is R8872907 involved in CHS?
Explanation of CYC2P9 gene involved in CHS
Explanation of DRD2 gene involved in CHS
Haloperidol – Does it work?
What is the difference between a “syndrome” and a “disease”?
Explanation of ABAC-1 gene involved in CHS
What is a CHS susceptibility test?
Previously accepted possible causes of CHS
Are there treatments for CHS?
How does THC abstinence help CHS patients?
What does a CHS episode look like?
Do CHS patients experience cannabis withdrawal?
Are there gender differences among CHS patients?
Can CBD help CHS patients?
Is there future research planned for CHS?

Project CBD: Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)

Martin Lee, reporter, author and co-founder of Project CBD interviews Dr. Ethan Russo, the lead investigator on the groundbreaking study that identified 5 genetic markers implicated in CHS susceptibility. ProjectCBD is one of the most trusted science-based Cannabis informational websites.

---

PodCasts

---

---

Scientific Papers

The following are a list of important cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) research articles. In the world of medical research, it is common that scientific articles are held behind a paywall. Fortunately, many of the articles listed below are open access articles which means they are available to the public for free.  Where that is not the case, the articles may be available through your public library or to students at their university. This is not a comprehensive list of available science, but a selection that will help physicians and patients get up to speed on the issue quickly.

1.           Ethan B. Russo, Chris Spooner, Len May, Ryan Leslie, Venetia Whiteley. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Survey and Genetic Investigation. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.

2.           Pergolizzi JV, LeQuang JA, Bisney JF. Cannabinoid hyperemesis. Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids. 2018;1:73-95.

3.           DeVuono MV, La Caprara O, Sullivan MT, et al. Role of the stress response and the endocannabinoid system in Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-induced nausea. Psychopharmacology (Berl). Jul 2020;237(7):2187-2199.

4.           DeVuono MV, Parker LA. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Review of Potential Mechanisms. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. Jun 1 2020;5(2):132-144.

5.           Sorensen CJ, DeSanto K, Borgelt L, Phillips KT, Monte AA. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Treatment-a Systematic Review. Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology. Mar 2017;13(1):71-87.

6.Richards JR, Lapoint JM, Burillo-Putze G. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: potential mechanisms for the benefit of capsaicin and hot water hydrotherapy in treatment. Clin Toxicol (Phila). Jan 2018;56(1):15-24.

7. Russo, E. B. (2024). Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: Genetic susceptibility to toxic exposure. Frontiers in Toxicology, 6, 1465728.

---

Articles

“Too Much Marijuana Can Make You Unpleasantly, Dangerously Sick” by Damian McNamara posted on Medscape https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/968536 and on MedMD https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20220211/marijuana-use-disorder-may-make-you-sick

---

Online CHS Support Groups