“When someone says they feel better after a hot shower, that can clinch the diagnosis for me,” Buresh adds.
Who’s at risk?
CHS can recur if cannabis use continues. The only way to stop it is to quit entirely, which can be difficult for habitual users. Scientists aren’t sure why some people are affected and others aren’t, but overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system is a leading theory. Even small amounts can trigger symptoms in vulnerable users.
A George Washington University study of over 1,000 CHS patients found that early and prolonged cannabis use strongly correlates with ER visits for scromiting. Alarmingly, adolescent cases in the U.S. jumped more than tenfold between 2016 and 2023, especially in states where recreational cannabis remains illegal.
Official recognition
On October 1, 2025, the World Health Organization formally recognized CHS, giving it an official diagnosis code. Carlini emphasizes the significance:
“This new code provides hard evidence on cannabis-related adverse events, which physicians report as a growing problem.”
With ER visits climbing, experts warn that both teens and adults using cannabis need to be aware of this potentially debilitating condition.
Have you or someone you know experienced CHS? Share your story or thoughts in the comments below!