Description
January 13, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome in Adolescents and Young Adults
Description:
Cannabis use has increased substantially among adolescents and young adults, paralleled by a rising incidence of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)—a frequently under-recognized cause of recurrent, severe nausea and vomiting. CHS is often misdiagnosed, leading to repeated emergency department visits, extensive diagnostic testing, delayed recognition of the role of cannabis use, and prolonged morbidity.
This activity provides a clinically practical, evidence-based review of CHS in adolescents and young adults. Using real-world case examples, participants will review the physiology of vomiting, distinguish CHS from other causes of recurrent vomiting and apply validated diagnostic criteria. The course emphasizes high-yield clinical features, including compulsive hot bathing, and outlines evidence-based acute management strategies. Particular attention is given to the challenges of treating cannabis use disorder in adolescents and young adults, including ambivalence about cessation, high relapse rates, limited pharmacologic options, and the need for repeated, longitudinal counseling. This activity is designed for clinicians caring for adolescents and young adults in primary care, emergency, gastroenterology, and behavioral health settings.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the presentation, the successful learning will be able to:
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- Describe the epidemiology and proposed pathophysiology of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome in adolescents and young adults.
- Differentiate CHS from other causes of recurrent or cyclic vomiting using clinical history, physical examination, and targeted diagnostic evaluation.
- Apply established diagnostic criteria for CHS and Cannabis Use Disorder.
- Implement evidence-based acute management strategies for CHS and counsel patients and families on the complexity and challenges of treating cannabis use disorder, including relapse risk and barriers to sustained cessation.
Presenter: Laura Grubb, MD, MPH
Continuing Medical Education:
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Hanley Center for Health Leadership and Education and CCSME. The Hanley Center for Health Leadership and Education is accredited by the Maine Medical Association Committee on Continuing Medical Education and Accreditation to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Hanley Center for Health Leadership and Education designates this regularly scheduled series for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
*Nurses and Nurse Practitioners will be awarded a certificate of participation with a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™.
This course has been approved by Co-Occurring Collaborative Serving Maine (CCSME), as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for 1 educational credits. NAADAC Provider #324712, CCSME is responsible for all aspects of the programming.
Contact Hours 1 contact hours for social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors, and behavioral health professionals.
1 Category 1 Contact hours for psychologists. CCSME is a pre-approved sponsor and provider of Professional Education Activities for Psychologists.
1 contract hours CHES. CCSME is a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission of Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
