About this episode
Episode 181: Cannabinoid Hyperemesis SyndromeFuture Dr. Johnson explains the pathophysiology, assessment, and management of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis syndrome. Dr. Arreaza adds some insights on the topic. Written by Tyler Johnson, MSIV, Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest. Editing and comments by Hector Arreaza, MD.You are listening to Rio Bravo qWeek Podcast, your weekly dose of knowledge brought to you by the Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program from Bakersfield, California, a UCLA-affiliated program sponsored by Clinica Sierra Vista, Let Us Be Your Healthcare Home. This podcast was created for educational purposes only. Visit your primary care provider for additional medical advice.Definition Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a syndrome of cyclic abdominal pain, vomiting, or nausea in older adolescents and adults who have chronic ϲаnոаbis use.The term “marijuana” is considered racist by some people. In the 1930s, American politicians popularized the term “marijuana” in the U.S. to portray the drug as a “Mexican vice” and to have a justification to persecute Mexican immigrants. Epidemiology The overall prevalence of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is unknown due to a lack of definitive criteria or diagnostic tests. It occurs in a population that may not disclose substance use. One study conducted in 2015 in a United States urban emergency department not named, found one-third of patients with near-daily cannabis use met criteria for having had CНЅ in the prior six months.Why are rates of CHS increasing?Between 2005-2014 hospitalizations cyclic vomiting syndromes increased by 60 %. concurrent cannabis use in hospitalized patients increasing from 2 to 21 percent. 7 years after the commercialization of cannabis in Canada, the Canadian health services found a 13-fold increase in cyclic vomiting syndromesPotential correlations for the increase in CHS are increased legalization and commercialization of cannabis, higher tetrahydrocannabinol concentrations in cannabis products, and increased recognition of the syndrome.Legal status of Cannabis in the USCannabis is legal in 24 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. It is also legal in Washington, D.C. Cannabis is approved for medical use in 38 states.Federal level: Cannabis is a Schedule I drug, under the Controlled Substance Act (added in 1970) in the group of Hallucinogenic or psychedelic substances. Tetra-hydro-cannabinol (THC, a “mind-altering substance in cannabis
