What Is ‘Scromiting’? Horrific Marijuana Side Effect Turns Heads

A growing number of doctors are distressing over a little-known condition linked to marijuana use—one that’s leaving some patients in extreme distress and, in severe cases, at risk of life-threatening complications.

The condition, known medically as cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), has picked up a more dramatic nickname online: “scromiting,” a term coined on social media to describe the combination of intense vomiting and screaming reported by sufferers.

One mother shared her experience in a viral video, describing pain so severe she compared it to — and even worse than — childbirth. She recalled episodes of uncontrollable vomiting paired with overwhelming agony, saying she reached a point where she was desperate for relief and felt completely helpless.

Medical professionals say these cases are becoming increasingly common, particularly among frequent marijuana users, including teenagers. Patients often arrive at emergency rooms doubled over in pain, struggling with relentless nausea and abdominal cramping.

According to pediatric emergency specialists, the vomiting can continue for hours, sometimes continuing even after the stomach is empty. Many patients report attempting home remedies before seeking care, with one unusual pattern standing out: prolonged exposure to extremely hot showers or baths in an effort to ease symptoms.

Doctors say the reason behind this behavior isn’t fully understood. One theory suggests that the intense heat may temporarily distract the body from pain signals, offering short-lived relief. Still, experts emphasize that this is not a solution—and it does nothing to address the underlying issue.

Treatment in the ER typically involves anti-nausea medications and intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. However, the process doesn’t stop there. Patients often undergo extensive testing to rule out other serious conditions, including blood work, imaging scans, and gastrointestinal procedures. In some cases, these tests are repeated multiple times as patients return with recurring symptoms.

Health experts warn that delaying treatment can be dangerous. Persistent vomiting can lead to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and in extreme situations, organ failure.

What makes CHS particularly puzzling is its connection to cannabis itself. While marijuana has long been associated with reducing nausea—especially in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy—it appears to have the opposite effect in certain chronic users.

Researchers believe the increasing potency of modern cannabis products may play a role. Today’s marijuana often contains significantly higher levels of THC, the compound responsible for its psychoactive effects, compared to decades past.

Even so, not every heavy user develops CHS, leaving scientists searching for answers about who is most at risk and why.

Data suggests the problem is widespread and growing. Studies have documented sharp increases in vomiting-related hospital visits linked to cannabis use, particularly in states where marijuana has been legalized. Among young people, emergency room visits tied to the condition have surged dramatically in recent years.

Until recently, tracking the syndrome has been challenging due to the lack of standardized medical coding. That changed in late 2025, when health authorities introduced an official diagnostic code for CHS, allowing for more accurate reporting and research moving forward.

Experts say that improved data collection could be key to understanding—and ultimately preventing—this troubling condition as marijuana use continues to rise nationwide.