Overview
- On Oct. 1, 2025, the U.S. introduced ICD code R11.16 after WHO recognized cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, enabling consistent tracking and research.
- National data show emergency‑department visits for the syndrome rose from roughly 4 to 22 per 100,000 ED visits between 2016 and 2022.
- Rates climbed sharply during 2020–21 and remained high, with adolescent visits increasing more than tenfold through 2023.
- The condition involves severe, cyclical nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, with some patients finding brief relief in hot showers, and stopping cannabis is the only reliable cure.
- Care is primarily supportive with IV fluids and antiemetics, while causes remain unclear with hypotheses including higher THC potency, wider product availability, and pandemic‑related behavior changes.