Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: Clinical diagnosis of an underrecognised manifestation of chronic cannabis abuse

Table 1 Harmful effects of cannabinoids on body systems[167]

Cognitive and mental health

Impaired memory

Impaired attention, organization and integration of complex information

Association with schizophrenia

Increased risk for depression

Pulmonary

Carcinogenic effect

Obstructive lung disease

Increased propensity toward infections

Acute and chronic bronchitis

Behavioural

Weapon possession and physical fighting

Unwanted and unprotected sexual encounters

Unwanted pregnancies

School dropout

Amotivational syndrome

Impairment of driving skill and coordination

Endocrine

Decreased testosterone, sperm motility and production, disruption of ovulatory cycle

Pregnancy

Low birth weight

Problems with attention, memory and higher cognitive function

Cardiovascular

Stroke

Dose-dependent increase in HR

Orthostasis

Decreased exercise tolerance

Precipitation of angina or myocardial infarction

Table 2 Clinical diagnosis of cannabinoid hyperemesis

Essential for diagnosis:

History of regular cannabis use for years

Major clinical features of syndrome

Severe nausea and vomiting

Vomiting that recurs in a cyclic pattern over months

Resolution of symptoms after stopping cannabis use

Supportive features

Compulsive hot baths with symptom relief

Colicky abdominal pain

No evidence of gall bladder or pancreatic inflammation