Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
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loreendawson
Message 1 of 3 , Aug 5 5:42 PM
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A 21 yo F patient was recently diagnosed with this.  She has been a daily pot smoker for over 6 years.
Before beginning pot, she had no digestive problems or anxiety.
Since starting she has developed significant anxiety, and regular bouts of severe vomiting, but, smoking pot definitely helps her symptoms in the moment.  She would like to stop smoking daily, but also wants to feel better.  Right now she is in the midst of an episode of anxiety, LOA and vomiting that has been going on for about 6 weeks.  She recently had an Rx of lorazepam, buscopan and ondansetron for 5 days which did break the cycle of violent vomiting, but she still has no appetite, occasional vomiting and abdominal discomfort.

Has anyone treated this syndrome?
Any clinical pearls for helping to heal this?
She told me her MD has ordered food sensitivity testing.  I will see the paperwork on Friday to see what exactly that is.  For now she is on an all cooked food bland diet with a slippery elm smoothie qid to help heal a suspected ulcer.

Dr. Loreen Dawson, ND
Sechelt, BC



Mona Morstein
Message 2 of 3 , Aug 9 3:10 PM
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Hello, Loreen,

I have lectured on this Syndrome both in Oregon and at the AZNMA, I think the first person bringing it to people’s attention. I diagnosed this in a man with repetitive vomiting episodes (one which he conveniently began in my office, requiring me to call 911—I had NO idea how much vomit people can vomit continually). I have seen another woman with it.

There is a simple cure. Stop smoking pot. End of Syndrome. Stop the pot and start working from there.

Mona Morstein, ND, DHANP
Tempe, AZ



Erin Holston Singh, N.D.
Message 3 of 3 , Today at 7:21 PM
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Loreen,
I have found homeopathic Cannabis to be helpful in patients who were chronic pot users, as part of a larger program created to detoxify and heal their gut and treat the liver. I see the homeopathic (isopathic) as a part in helping cut the patients dependency on the substance. Same for Opium in narcotics users.

Nux vomica and Ipeca will also help- as you get this patient to stop smoking and break the bigger cycle.

Good luck!

Erin Holston Singh, ND
Cleveland, OH