In these regions, small changes in membrane mechanics can produce outsized functional effects. A membrane that would be merely inefficient in one tissue may become pathologically unstable in another. Ion channels begin to open too easily, requiring less ligand binding or voltage change to activate.
What causes cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?

In structurally compromised membranes, chronic THC exposure accumulates and persists within lipid bilayers, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome amplifying membrane fluidity and destabilizing ion channel gating. This results in exaggerated serotonergic signaling at the gut–brainstem interface, producing functional hyperactivation of the emetic reflex without direct pharmacologic stimulation of 5-HT₃ receptors. Many people use cannabis and cannabis products like concentrates for a variety of potential benefits, including gastrointestinal issues. CHS brings a completely different dynamic to the table—no potential therapeutic properties of cannabis can resolve it. A sample size survey study from 2018 determined that heavy users of cannabis consume for at least 20 days a month, while further estimating around 2.75 million people in the U.S. are susceptible to CHS annually.
- However, this proposed mechanism has not been empirically validated 59.
- A membrane that would be merely inefficient in one tissue may become pathologically unstable in another.
- Bursts that would ordinarily be self-limiting instead propagate and amplify.
- In much of modern pharmacology and physiology, receptors are treated as the primary determinants of cellular behavior.
- “Above that, the THC becomes such a great percentage that we’re not getting the whole plant benefit,” says Dr. Tishler.
What are the short-term health effects of cannabis use?
CBP has been sued by New Mexico marijuana businesses over the seizures, and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) has vocally pushed back on those actions. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine now has a best practice guideline for managing Suspected Cannabinoid Hyperemesis syndrome. Most young people who smoke cannabis regularly do not go on to develop CHS. Explore lifestyle hacks, how-to guides, and the latest in cannabis news. Additional studies published in the past year have similarly documented rising CHS rates in Massachusetts, Northern California, and elsewhere in the US.
What are synthetic cannabinoids?
The gut–brainstem axis continues to function, but without the structural margins required to prevent runaway activation. Importantly, this effect does not require THC to act as a serotonin agonist or to bind the 5-HT₃ receptor directly. The receptor behaves differently because its physical alcoholism symptoms environment has changed.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)

While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented on https://discoulink.com/recovery-and-housing-rize-massachusetts/ MedShadow, we cannot guarantee its completeness or suitability for any particular individual’s medical needs. Therefore, we strongly encourage users to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any health-related concerns or decisions. The widespread availability of cannabis, coupled with the rising potency of products, has led to a sharp increase in CHS.
Mental Health Effects
Normal desensitization mechanisms—essential for terminating signals—become incomplete or delayed. As a result, channels remain open longer or re-open prematurely, increasing intracellular ion flux beyond physiologic intent. Membranes also control signal-to-noise ratios in excitable tissues.
How soon after cannabis hyperemesis syndrome treatment will I feel better?
In this context, external agents such as THC do not introduce a new pathology; rather, they interact with an already compromised physical substrate, revealing failure points that were previously buffered. Crucially, these changes can occur without any alteration in receptor number, structure, or genetic expression. A receptor embedded in a destabilized membrane behaves differently than the same receptor embedded in a stable one. Thus, downstream signaling can shift dramatically even when classical receptor biology appears unchanged. It appears to be an effective treatment in adult patients but despite this, only one report evaluated its use in young people. Six of the studies and reports reviewed mentioned effective treatments, detailed below.
How is this different to cyclical vomiting?
They suppress the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and sympathetic systems when activated. They are in the cerebral cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus, hippocampus, cerebellum, and basal ganglia. In the gastrointestinal system, they are present on both intrinsic and extrinsic neurons of the enteric nervous system 31. During the last decade, the discovery of CB1R allosteric modulators has provided new tools to target the CB1R 32.