Psychosocial Contextual Factors Associated with Cannabis Consumption & Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)

Student Presenter(s)

Lilly Mcleod

Abstract or Description

The increase and widespread use of cannabis over the past decade has enabled the recognition of cannabis for its pain relief and calming effects. Simultaneously there has been a rise in reports of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) which results from prolonged cannabis consumption. The symptoms include nausea and vomiting, and the only current treatment for CHS is abstinence from cannabis. This study sought to investigate the factors that lead to the maintenance of cannabis consumption as well as the factors that might encourage cessation of cannabis when developing CHS. We utilized surveys and interviews to measure participants experiences with cannabis and CHS. The sample consisted of long-term, regular cannabis consumers from the United States who were above the age of 18 years. Moreover, the sample had a similar composition of those with and without CHS and it contained educated participants. Results signified that rather than social factors, such as associations to the cannabis community, mental health factors, such as anxiety and relaxation were more related to cannabis maintenance and difficulty in cessation. 

Keywords: Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

Mentor

Dr. Crista Crittenden