Media Frenzy Over Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: Fact or Fear?
Recent media coverage has spotlighted Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a rare condition linked to chronic cannabis use, often with sensationalism and lack of context. While CHS is real, the portrayal in media tends to lean towards fear rather than factual reporting
Key Points
- 1CHS is a rare condition linked to chronic cannabis use, but media coverage is often sensationalized
- 2The term 'scromiting' originates from social media, not medical professionals, yet it is widely used in news
- 3Speculation exists about Big Pharma and Big Alcohol's influence on negative cannabis narratives
- 4CHS primarily affects high-frequency, high-potency cannabis users, not casual consumers
- 5Balanced reporting is needed to prevent misinformation and panic around cannabis use
In recent weeks, a surge in media coverage has spotlighted Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a rare condition associated with chronic cannabis use. Major networks like Fox and CNN have amplified the narrative with dramatic headlines and stories, often lacking balanced context. While CHS is a legitimate medical condition characterized by cyclical vomiting and abdominal pain, the portrayal in media tends to veer towards sensationalism rather than factual reporting
CHS was first identified in 2004 in Australia and has since been recognized by the World Health Organization with a diagnostic code, R11.16, aiding in its clinical identification. However, despite its recognition, the condition remains uncommon. According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, emergency department visits for CHS accounted for only 33.1 cases per 100,000 visits, primarily affecting those who consume high-potency THC products frequently
The term 'scromiting,' a portmanteau of 'screaming' and 'vomiting,' has gained traction in media narratives, despite its origins on social media platforms like Reddit and TikTok, rather than from medical professionals. This catchy term has been leveraged by news outlets to create sensational stories that garner clicks. The result is a public perception skewed towards viewing cannabis as a potentially dangerous substance causing widespread illness, which is not supported by the data
There is speculation about whether Big Pharma or Big Alcohol might be influencing this wave of negative coverage on cannabis. While direct evidence is lacking, the financial ties between media networks and pharmaceutical companies are significant. In 2024 alone, pharmaceutical firms spent over $5 billion on television advertising, with networks like CNN and Fox being major beneficiaries. This financial relationship raises questions about the motivations behind the media's portrayal of cannabis-related health issues
Historically, pharmaceutical and alcohol industries have lobbied against cannabis legalization, seeing it as a threat to their market shares. Notable examples include Insys Therapeutics' $500,000 donation to combat cannabis legalization in Arizona in 2016. More recently, lobbying efforts by the Distilled Spirits Council and Jazz Pharma on cannabis regulations suggest ongoing resistance to the expansion of legal cannabis markets
While CHS should be taken seriously, it requires a nuanced approach similar to how rare conditions related to alcohol or other drugs are discussed. Casual or occasional cannabis users are at low risk for CHS, which predominantly affects those with high-frequency, high-potency usage patterns. The current media narrative, however, often lacks this crucial context, leading to unnecessary panic and misinformation
As the conversation around CHS continues, it is essential for both media and consumers to approach the topic with a critical eye. Accurate information, rather than fearmongering, should guide public understanding and regulatory decisions. For those seeking reliable facts about cannabis and its effects, turning to well-researched sources rather than sensational headlines is key