The prevalence of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome can now be better tracked thanks to a WHO diagnostic code update.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a condition in some chronic and heavy cannabis users characterised by recurrent nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Loud vocalisations may occur during vomiting; giving rise to another name for the condition; “scromiting” — screaming + vomiting.
In recent months, we’ve covered a couple of stories on CHS, including its rising prevalence in the USA and risks of misdiagnosis.
Complicating the tracking of CHS is up until recently, clinicians were unable able to record a diagnostic code for the syndrome under the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD). The ICD has been around for a very long time, and is used for coding diseases, symptoms, injuries, and other health conditions.
Clinicians were instead using the codes R11 (nausea and vomiting), F12.1 (mental and behavioural disorders due to use of cannabinoids, harmful use) and U91 Syndrome (not elsewhere classified).
On October 12025 , WHO added the new code, R11.16 to ICD-10. The new code enables a single, specific code for billing and documentation, and also helps in tracking the condition more accurately than relying on multiple general codes such as R11.2
The coding has also been updated for U.S. clinicians by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Aside from being a painful and distressing condition, CHS complications can include persistent dehydration, which may lead to kidney failure and electrolyte imbalances. The first known deaths associated with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome triggered hyponatremic dehydration occurred in 2016.
As for treatment of CHS, many conventional medications are not effective. While hot baths and showers may temporarily relieve symptoms, the only “cure” is to abstain from cannabis use. If cessation is only brief, CHS may ease, but the vomiting cycle will continue once cannabis use resumes.
Symptoms usually ease after two weeks of complete abstinence, but some patients continue to experience symptoms for up to 90 days.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome was first described by Australian researchers in 2004, and simplified diagnostic criteria were published in 2009.
