Screaming While Vomiting? It’s Called ‘Scromiting,’ a Painful Side Effect of Chronic Marijuana Use: ‘A Living Hell’

‘Scromiting’ – The Disturbing Side Effect of Cannabis Use

Reports have emerged of an unsettling side effect of long-term cannabis use, known as “scromiting”, where individuals experience screaming and vomiting simultaneously. This condition is medically referred to as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), characterized by cycles of persistent nausea, severe vomiting, and abdominal pain after prolonged marijuana consumption.

According to experts at the Cleveland Clinic, CHS can lead to up to five episodes of vomiting and retching every hour, often accompanied by a loss of appetite and a fear of throwing up. Patients suffering from CHS may experience intense pain while vomiting, causing them to scream in agony, hence the term “scromiting”.

Dr. Sam Wang, a specialist in pediatric emergency medicine and toxicology at Children’s Hospital Colorado, described the distressing symptoms as patients writhing in pain, holding their stomachs, and enduring hours of continuous vomiting. This condition typically manifests several years after chronic marijuana use, although it does not affect all long-term cannabis users.

Recent studies have documented a significant increase in emergency room visits for CHS patients, particularly among adolescents and young adults. A study published in July 2025 by the JAMA Network Open revealed a tenfold rise in CHS-related visits among individuals aged 13 to 21 between 2016 and 2023. Another study published in November 2025 highlighted a surge in CHS cases among those aged 18 to 35 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Victims of CHS have turned to social media to raise awareness about this alarming condition. A TikTok user shared her harrowing experience with “scromiting”, recounting her hospitalization and the unbearable suffering she endured. She described the ordeal as the scariest and most horrifying challenge she has ever faced, underscoring the importance of seeking medical help and abstaining from cannabis use to prevent further complications.

Treatment for CHS typically involves the administration of anti-nausea medications and intravenous fluids to alleviate symptoms. However, the most effective long-term solution is complete cessation of cannabis consumption. Failure to address CHS promptly can result in severe health issues, including dehydration, malnutrition, and damage to oral health and the esophagus.

Prior to the legalisation of marijuana, cases of CHS were underreported, hindering research efforts to understand and address this condition effectively. With the establishment of an official medical diagnosis code for CHS in October 2025, researchers now have a standardized method to track and analyse the prevalence of this syndrome globally, thereby enhancing treatment and prevention strategies.

In conclusion, the emergence of “scromiting” as a distressing consequence of chronic marijuana use underscores the importance of raising awareness about the potential risks associated with long-term cannabis consumption. By educating the public and healthcare providers about CHS, we can promote early detection, intervention, and support for individuals grappling with this debilitating condition.