Sydni Collins’ Struggle With “Scromiting”: The Realities of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome

Sydni Collins, 23, has come forward to shed light on a little-known but increasingly recognized medical condition called cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). Her candid account reveals the harrowing impact of daily cannabis use, leading to repeated bouts of uncontrollable vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and dependency on feeding tubes during the worst periods of her illness.

For much of her late teens and early adulthood, Sydni was a regular user of cannabis via a weed pen. Despite her frequent use, Sydni didn’t fit common stereotypes about marijuana users. “I’m not what you would think of as your typical stoner … and people outside of my friend group and close family didn’t even know I smoked,” she shared in an interview with The New York Post.

When Sydni developed unrelenting vomiting and abdominal pain, she and her doctors began a quest for answers that would highlight not only her own resilience but also the need for greater awareness of CHS, especially in an age of expanding marijuana legalization.

The Onset of Symptoms: A High School Ordeal

The earliest signs of trouble surfaced during Sydni’s senior year of high school. She endured severe nausea and relentless vomiting while on a spring break flight, with the symptoms persisting for hours. “There were some days when it lasted until noon and I would not go to school because of how bad it was,” Sydni recalled. “I would be puking all morning. I would let out yells or cries because nothing would come out. I was just dry heaving.”

As the episodes became more frequent and severe, Sydni’s life was upended. Despite multiple visits to the emergency room—seven times within a single month—doctors struggled to pinpoint the cause of her suffering. In between these acute attacks, Sydni’s symptoms would occasionally subside, creating a misleading cycle that complicated diagnosis and, at times, offered false hope of recovery.

By the time she was hospitalized, Sydni’s health had deteriorated dramatically. “When I was finally admitted, [doctors] told me I was 87 pounds and had to get a feeding tube,” Sydni explained. For someone her age and frame, such dramatic weight loss was alarming and signaled the gravity of her illness.

Living With Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)

Recovery was neither straightforward nor swift. While some patients find temporary relief from hot baths—a phenomenon described by clinicians and patients alike—Sydni found that these only intensified her dehydration. Even everyday comforts such as Gatorade and nutritional supplements were intolerable during flare-ups. “My mom got me a bunch of nutritional supplements and I could not bear the taste of anything, even Gatorade,” she said.

To cope, Sydni resorted to simple strategies: chewing on ice cubes, licking salt off pretzel rods, and using cold washcloths. Sometimes, the only position that brought partial relief from the pain was lying curled up in bed. “I would be in the fetal position on the bed for hours because that was the only way my stomach didn’t hurt as bad,” she recalled, illustrating the intense discomfort and exhaustion CHS inflicts on sufferers.

Understanding Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome

CHS is a poorly understood but increasingly acknowledged syndrome linked to chronic, long-term cannabis use. Symptoms typically include severe episodes of nausea, cyclical vomiting, abdominal pain, and, paradoxically, relief from hot showers or baths. The syndrome was not widely recognized until the past decade. This lack of awareness has led to frequent misdiagnoses, with patients often initially told they have food poisoning, stomach flu, or rare gastrointestinal disorders like superior mesenteric artery syndrome, as was the case for Sydni.

While cannabis is often touted for its anti-nausea properties, in certain individuals, especially those with long-term exposure, it can have the opposite effect. The mechanisms behind CHS are still under investigation. Some researchers believe that overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system in the gut and brain may disrupt normal digestive processes, leading to the severe symptoms experienced by patients like Sydni.

Medical Misunderstandings and Barriers to Treatment

For those dealing with CHS, one of the greatest challenges is the initial confusion both patients and healthcare professionals face. Dr. Ken Mackie, a professor of psychological and brain sciences at Indiana University who has studied cannabinoids, notes, “CHS is still frequently missed in the emergency department and often only recognized after extensive—and sometimes unnecessary—testing has excluded other diagnoses.”

“The only way to figure out if [my symptoms] were from weed is if I stopped. So I did, and I got better,” Sydni learned after a long period of trial and error. This experience is corroborated by medical authorities like the Mayo Clinic and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who both stress that cessation of cannabis use is the only reliably effective treatment.

CHS and Its Overlap With Other Chronic Conditions

Sydni’s medical journey became even more complicated when she developed Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition. In an attempt to manage her digestive issues, Sydni briefly resumed cannabis use. Unfortunately, this led to another severe bout of CHS three years later, once again requiring emergency intervention and a feeding tube. “The only way to determine whether her symptoms were caused by cannabis was to stop using it. And once she did, her condition improved,” highlighting the crucial need for accurate diagnosis in patients with multiple overlapping gastrointestinal conditions.

After quitting cannabis two years ago, Sydni reports that she has maintained sobriety and found valuable support through an online CHS community, which helps provide accountability and encouragement. Her experience reflects a broader trend of patients turning to peer groups and digital communities to navigate recovery and cope with the challenges of living with CHS.

CHS: An Emerging Condition in the Context of Rising Cannabis Use

Legalization and decriminalization of cannabis in numerous U.S. states and internationally has led to a marked increase in its recreational use, particularly among young adults. While most users do not experience adverse effects like Sydni, physicians have reported a noticeable increase in ER visits linked to cannabis-related complications, with CHS being among the most concerning.

The term “scromiting”—a blend of “screaming” and “vomiting”—is sometimes used by emergency staff to describe CHS cases because of the apparent distress experienced by sufferers. While this nickname underscores the severity of symptoms, experts warn that it can trivialize what is a very real and dangerous condition.

According to the JAMA Network, the increased recognition and reporting of CHS is likely the result of both greater cannabis consumption and growing awareness among clinicians. The number of diagnosed cases is still estimated to be relatively low compared to the total number of cannabis users, but the impact for those affected can be devastating.

Expert Perspectives and Recommendations

Leading physicians emphasize that anyone who experiences unexplained recurrent vomiting, especially those with a history of chronic cannabis use, should seek medical attention and inform their providers. Early recognition of CHS can spare patients unnecessary testing and prolonged suffering.

“Doctors and patients need to have open, nonjudgmental conversations about cannabis use,” says Dr. Cecelia Sorensen, an emergency medicine physician and researcher at Columbia University, “so that symptoms like Sydni’s can be correctly attributed to CHS.” She further advocates for broader education among clinicians, especially in regions where cannabis is newly legalized and such complications may be unfamiliar.

The CDC recommends that treatment for CHS should focus on supportive care, rehydration, and, most importantly, stopping cannabis use. While some medications can help control nausea and pain, they do not address the underlying cause. For patients with repeated hospital admissions, as in Sydni’s case, psychosocial support and substance use counseling may be essential.

The Social and Public Health Implications of CHS

Sydni’s case highlights broader societal questions as well—how should information about potential risks associated with cannabis be conveyed to the public? What responsibilities do healthcare providers, policymakers, and media outlets have in educating the community without spreading fear or stigma?

Many experts draw parallels to the early days of alcohol and tobacco regulation, when public understanding of adverse effects lagged behind widespread use. “As more people use cannabis, we are learning about rare side effects that weren’t apparent before legalization,” says Dr. Mackie. Increased awareness, accurate information, and ongoing research are necessary to ensure that individuals can make informed decisions about their health.

Importantly, cases like Sydni’s underscore that visible “risk” factors—such as high-frequency use, public visibility, or daily consumption—do not always align with who might be affected by CHS. The condition can develop even in those who are otherwise healthy and whose cannabis habits might not be apparent.

Seeking Help and Building Support Networks

Since achieving sobriety from cannabis, Sydni has relied on digital support groups for ongoing encouragement and accountability. Peer communities provide information, reduce isolation, and can offer comfort to those managing medical conditions like CHS. Their testimonies, alongside growing clinical awareness, help break down stigma and encourage others to seek diagnosis and treatment earlier.

Despite the challenges, Sydni’s story serves as both a warning and a message of hope: with accurate diagnosis, appropriate care, and ongoing support, recovery and a return to health are possible even in the face of debilitating conditions like CHS.

Conclusion: Raising Awareness About CHS

As cannabis use becomes more widespread, honest conversations about its risks and benefits are critical. The story of Sydni Collins and her struggle with Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome demonstrates the importance of awareness, timely diagnosis, and compassionate care. Anyone using cannabis—especially on a daily or long-term basis—should be vigilant for symptoms like cyclical vomiting, severe stomach pain, and unexplained weight loss, and discuss all substance use openly with healthcare providers.

While CHS remains rare compared to the overall population of cannabis users, its rising incidence signals the need for further research, enhanced clinician education, and robust patient support networks. Sharing lived experiences, such as Sydni’s, helps clarify the realities of the syndrome and empowers others to seek the help they need.

Sources

• The New York Post
• Mayo Clinic
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• JAMA Network
• BBC Health
• Reuters

Disclaimer: This content is intended for entertainment purposes only and is not based on real events.