You may have seen this article or some other article recently, covering the Ontario Supreme Court’s certification of a national class action lawsuit against Aurora Cannabis. The defendant entities are all part of the same conglomerate, with Aurora Cannabis Inc. being the parent.
This Canadian lawsuit claims that the defendants negligently failed to warn consumers, patients, and their treating professionals of the risk of developing cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). This risk was allegedly posed by the plaintiffs’ ordinary use of the defendants’ cannabis products.
In addition to alleging negligence, the plaintiffs allege breach of consumer protection statutes and, somewhat awkwardly, unjust enrichment. According a claim summary, the defendants’ failure “is alleged to be particularly egregious given that cannabis products are often recommended by healthcare professionals to treat nausea, which paradoxically is a common symptom of CHS.”
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a condition that affects some long-term, frequent cannabis users. It’s marked by cycles of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain that often don’t respond well to typical anti-nausea treatments.
Key Features:
Prodromal phase: Early symptoms include nausea, mild abdominal discomfort, and fear of vomiting. This can last months or years.
Hyperemetic phase: Sudden and repeated episodes of intense vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration.
Recovery phase: Symptoms resolve once cannabis use is stopped, though it may take days to weeks.
Causes:
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but research suggests:
Unique Clue:
Many CHS patients find hot showers or baths relieve symptoms temporarily — likely because heat activates the same TRPV1 receptors involved in the vomiting reflex.
Risk Factors:
• Daily or near-daily cannabis use (often for years).
• High-potency THC products.
• Younger age groups (teens to middle-aged adults).
The only definitive treatment is stopping cannabis use. Supportive care, such as IV fluids, electrolyte replacement, and occasionally topical capsaicin cream (applied to the abdomen), can help alleviate symptoms during acute episodes.
A physician diagnosing this condition will ask about long-term and frequent cannabis use, which would include daily use for years. If the patient denies cannabis use, the physician moves on to other possible conditions. If the patient states that he has used cannabis without a break every day for years, the doctor would then ask about cyclic patterns, as CHS typically occurs in episodes followed by periods of relief. Further, the patient may find relief in taking hot showers or baths. In addition, anti-nausea drugs, such as ondansetron, often do not provide effective relief for CHS. However, some patients report that topical capsaicin cream, which targets the TRPV1 receptor involved in CHS, can be helpful.
Doctors may order labs, imaging (like an abdominal CT or ultrasound), and endoscopy to rule out Gallstones, pancreatitis, or ulcers; Gastroenteritis (“stomach flu”); Gastric obstruction; Cyclic vomiting syndrome (idiopathic, not cannabis-related).
Though cannabis that doesn’t have any guidance for dosage can be the most likely culprit, any kind of marijuana can cause CHS. Having a medical marijuana doctor and pharmacist help you find the correct dose and recommend tolerance breaks can help patients avoid CHS and negative experiences that can happen with overconsumption. Here are the products that are most likely to trigger CHS.
• High-THC flower (marijuana buds)
• Especially modern strains bred for very high THC content.
• Concentrates (wax, shatter, dabs, live resin, oils)
• Can contain 60–90% THC, making them a major risk.
• Vapes with high THC
• Deliver concentrated THC rapidly, increasing body burden.
• Edibles with high THC
• Slower onset but prolonged effects, which may contribute to the buildup in fat tissue.
Main Trigger
Long-term, frequent use of high-THC cannabis
(smoking, vaping, edibles, or concentrates)
Risk Factors
1. Genetics 🧬
Differences in cannabinoid or TRPV1 receptors
Variations in liver enzymes that process THC
2. THC Metabolism
THC stored in fat, released slowly
Some people accumulate higher background levels
3. Endocannabinoid System Sensitivity
Overstimulation flips cannabis from anti-nausea ➝ pro-nausea
4. Gut–Brain Axis
More sensitive vagus nerve or altered gut motility
5. Lifestyle/Environment
Stress, dehydration, or other medications may contribute
6. Threshold Effect
Tolerated for years, then suddenly symptoms appear once the “personal limit” is crossed
Not every heavy cannabis user will develop CHS, but the higher the THC exposure and the longer the use, the higher the risk.
If you would like to get started on your healing journey or if you just have questions about medical marijuana in Louisiana or Mississippi, please contact The Healing Clinics. Our healing specialists are ready to answer your questions! Click the button below to get started!
