Experiencing Loud Screams During Vomiting? It's Known as ‘Scromiting,' a Painful Consequence of Long-Term Marijuana Consumption: ‘A Living Nightmare'

Reports of a severe reaction to prolonged cannabis consumption, known medically as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), are increasing across the country. This condition, often referred to as scromiting, involves episodes of intense vomiting accompanied by screaming due to extreme abdominal pain.

CHS typically manifests after several years of regular marijuana use, though not all long-term users develop it. Patients may experience relentless nausea, repeated vomitingsometimes up to five times per hourloss of appetite, and an overwhelming fear of vomiting. The Cleveland Clinic notes that these symptoms can be debilitating and persist for extended periods.

Patients are often seen writhing in pain, clutching their stomachs, and continuously vomiting whatever remains in their system for hours, explained Dr. Sam Wang, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist and toxicologist at Childrens Hospital Colorado.

Recent studies have highlighted a marked increase in CHS cases. Research published in July 2025 in JAMA Network Open documented a tenfold rise in emergency visits for CHS among patients aged 13 to 21 between 2016 and 2023. Another JAMA Network study from November 2025 observed a surge in cases among adults aged 18 to 35 during the COVID-19 pandemic, with numbers remaining elevated since.

Social media platforms have become a space for sufferers to share their experiences. One TikTok user described her hospitalization for CHS, saying, It is horrifying. The scariest thing Ive ever gone through. Throwing up nearly 20 times a day, unable to keep food down for weeksit was a living hell. Another user compared the pain to childbirth, describing it as unbearable and overwhelming.

Treatment options focus on relieving symptoms with anti-nausea medications and intravenous fluids. However, the only permanent solution is complete cessation of cannabis use. Untreated CHS can result in severe complications, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition, weight loss, dental issues, and damage to the esophagus.

Previously underreported due to the illegality of cannabis, CHS is now being more accurately tracked. On October 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government assigned an official medical diagnosis code to CHS, allowing researchers to monitor the condition globally and gather more comprehensive data.

Author: Riley Thompson