Cannabis use disorder and CHS cases rise in the United States

Recent data indicates a rise in cannabis-related health issues in the United States. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry shows that cannabis use disorder increased between 2021 and 2024, rising from 7.3 to 9.3 percent among men and from 4.5 to 5.6 percent among women.

Simultaneously, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has noted a spike in Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), colloquially known as “scromiting.” This condition, characterized by severe nausea, stomach pain, and uncontrollable vomiting, has seen significant increases in emergency department visits, particularly among young adults aged 15 to 24.

In response to these trends, Jeffrey A. Singer of the Cato Institute suggests that while the rise in problematic use warrants attention, it should be addressed through education rather than prohibition. He notes that similar adjustments occurred with alcohol following the end of prohibition and points to Canadian studies where cannabis misuse declined following legalization.