Prevalence and Correlates of Symptoms of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in the United States

Importance: Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is an emerging condition among those with heavy cannabis use characterized by persistent and severe nausea and vomiting. However, very little is known about the national prevalence of CHS, outside of healthcare settings, and among those who use cannabis frequently. Objective: To determine the national prevalence of CHS symptoms, diagnosis, and associated characteristics. Design: A cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of US adults. Setting: The National Firearms, Alcohol, Cannabis, and Suicide survey was conducted in 2025. Participants: 7,034 US adults over 18 years old provided survey data. Exposures: Not applicable. Main Outcome and Measures: Items were included that assess symptoms of CHS, along with multiple measures of cannabis use and problem use. Results: The prevalence of those reporting daily cannabis use in the past 5 years was 15.2%, corresponding to an estimated over 40 million US adults. Among those who used cannabis daily, 17.8% reported CHS-like symptoms (i.e., severe nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain), which translates to an estimated 7.2 million US adults, or a 2.7% national prevalence rate. Only 11.5% of those with a symptom prolife consistent with CHS reported receiving a CHS diagnosis from a medical provider. Respondents reporting CHS symptoms were younger, more likely to be female and non-White race, lower income, less educated, and endorsed more cannabis use problems relative to those who used cannabis daily or less frequently. Conclusions and Relevance: A small but significant number of US adults with daily cannabis use reported symptoms consistent with CHS. Beyond patterns of cannabis use, those with CHS symptoms had fewer economic resources and endorsed more cannabis-related problems, even when compared to others with daily cannabis use. Most people reporting CHS symptoms were not diagnosed by a medical provider, suggesting that there may be a substantial cohort who is experiencing CHS symptoms but is not seeking medical treatment or having their condition recognized by medical providers. As cannabis use increases, it is likely that CHS will also become more common, underscoring the importance of expanded research on this condition.