U.S. Sees Big Jump in Nausea Cases Among Frequent Marijuana Users in the Hospital

In the past year, the United States has witnessed a significant rise in hospital visits by frequent marijuana users suffering from nausea and vomiting, according to a recent report. This surge is largely attributed to the introduction of a new diagnosis code last fall, which has brought more attention to a previously underrecognized problem. The condition, known as cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, is characterized by intense abdominal pain, uncontrollable vomiting, and persistent nausea.

Hospital emergency department (ED) diagnoses of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome surged by 16% from last October to May of this year, as reported by federal researchers. Past research suggests that approximately 2.75 million Americans, particularly frequent marijuana smokers, suffer from this syndrome annually, with hospital ED visits rising alongside the increase in daily recreational marijuana use.

Researchers at the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control analyzed ED data from around 7,500 healthcare facilities across the country through May. From January 2023 to the summer of 2025, nearly 200,000 syndrome-related visits were made to the EDs. Although the burden on EDs remained relatively stable throughout most of the study period, a noticeable jump occurred in October when the new code went into effect.

The largest increases in syndrome diagnoses were observed in individuals aged 15 to 24, teenage girls and women, Black Americans, and American Indian and Alaska Natives. This finding surprised CDC's Alana Vivolo-Kantor, PhD, the study's first author, who noted that the assumption was that "how can they have chronic use?" and questioned their early cannabis use initiation.

The study emphasizes the need to raise awareness about cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, particularly among teens and young adults. Additionally, further research is required to understand the effects of newer high-potency THC and hemp-derived products, such as vapes, drinks, and gummies, on younger Americans who consume them.