A new federal report points to a sharp rise in emergency room diagnoses of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, a condition linked to frequent cannabis use and marked by repeated bouts of nausea, vomiting, and severe stomach pain.
According to researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diagnoses increased 16% between October and May. The rise coincided with the introduction of a dedicated medical billing code for the syndrome, giving hospitals a more direct way to identify and record cases.
The researchers said the timing and scale of the increase indicate that the condition may have been substantially overlooked in the past. Before the new code became available, physicians and hospitals generally had to rely on separate codes for cannabis use and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is most often reported among people who use cannabis regularly. Previous studies have estimated that millions of Americans experience the condition annually, while emergency department visits associated with it have climbed alongside the broader growth in recreational cannabis use.
Doctors have also warned that the actual number of cases could be higher than existing records suggest. Some patients may not disclose how often they consume cannabis, while others may initially be diagnosed with another gastrointestinal problem.
For the latest analysis, CDC scientists examined emergency department records from roughly 7,500 medical facilities nationwide. The data covered the period from January 2023 through May 2025 and included nearly 200,000 visits associated with the syndrome.
The number of cases remained relatively steady through much of the period examined before rising noticeably in October, when the new diagnostic code took effect.
The increases were particularly pronounced among patients between the ages of 15 and 24, women, and teenage girls, as well as Alaska Natives, American Indians, and Black Americans.
According to Alana Vivolo-Kantor, lead author of the study, the increase among younger patients was unexpected. The finding raises questions about how early some young people begin using cannabis and whether frequent consumption is occurring sooner than previously recognized.
The researchers said the findings highlight the importance of improving awareness of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome among health professionals, families, and young people.
They also called for additional research into the effects of newer cannabis products to understand how the products are being used by younger people and whether they contribute to the growing number of reported cases.
All in all, the study underscores the importance of moderation while consuming marijuana products, and users would be well advised to talk to staff at companies like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) so that the most suitable product can be selected for one’s needs.
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