World Health Organization Recognizes Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome with New Diagnostic Code

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) has taken center stage in the public health arena following the World Health Organization's (WHO) decision to officially recognize the condition with its own diagnostic code. This acknowledgment, coupled with a comprehensive study published in JAMA Network Open, highlights a growing concern about the syndrome, which paradoxically causes nausea and vomiting in cannabis users. The WHO's move is a significant step forward, allowing for more precise tracking and understanding of CHS globally

The study by the University of Illinois, which analyzed over 188 million emergency room visits between 2016 and 2022, found a notable increase in CHS cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data revealed that CHS cases surged from 4.4 per 100,000 visits to a high of 33.1 in the second quarter of 2020, later stabilizing at 22.3 by the end of 2022. This trend suggests that factors such as increased cannabis use during the pandemic may have contributed to the rise in CHS cases

With the WHO's decision to assign CHS its own diagnostic code, R11.16, effective from October 1, 2025, healthcare providers can now more accurately identify and track this condition. Beatriz Carlini from UW Medicine highlighted the importance of this development, noting that it helps reduce misdiagnosis and unnecessary emergency room visits. The new code will facilitate better epidemiological monitoring and research funding, addressing a long-standing gap in healthcare systems

The rise in CHS cases has sparked discussions on the potential causes and mechanisms behind the syndrome. Current research suggests a combination of chronic cannabis use, high-potency THC products, and individual susceptibility may disrupt bodily functions like CB1 receptor regulation and hypothalamic thermoregulation. Despite cannabis's reputation for relieving nausea, these factors may lead to adverse reactions in some users, challenging preconceived notions about the plant's effects

The healthcare community is responding to CHS with alternative treatment methods, as traditional anti-nausea medications often prove ineffective. Some physicians are now using drugs like haloperidol or topical capsaicin, which activate heat-sensing pathways, providing relief similar to hot showers. Dr. Chris Buresh from UW Medicine emphasizes the need for continued clinical training to better recognize and manage CHS, underscoring the importance of adapting medical practices to emerging health trends

As legal and medical cannabis use becomes more widespread, the emergence of CHS underscores the need for enhanced education and harm-reduction strategies. Rather than stigmatizing cannabis users, this development presents an opportunity to promote informed and safer consumption practices. Understanding the body's response to cannabis and identifying when the balance shifts is crucial for fostering healthier relationships with the plant

Looking ahead, the recognition of CHS by the WHO marks a pivotal moment in cannabis-related healthcare. It sets the stage for more targeted research and improved patient care, potentially leading to new insights into cannabis's effects on the body. As the medical community continues to explore CHS, the focus remains on balancing the benefits of cannabis with the potential risks, ensuring that users can make informed decisions about their health