Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Cases Rose in Vermont
Vermont residents are seeing more emergency visits for a syndrome linked to increasingly potent cannabis products.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Vermont emergency departments have recorded a notable increase in cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition causing recurring cycles of nausea and stomach pain. This rise in hospital visits occurred alongside a broader increase in cannabis-related poisoning cases between 2016 and 2022.
Why it matters
The increase in these cases is widely attributed to modern cannabis products, which often contain significantly higher concentrations of THC than those available in previous decades. This shift in potency has created new challenges for public health providers who must now manage a condition that lacks a standard diagnostic test.
State hospital surveillance data shows an increase in emergency department visits for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome between 2016 and 2022, with a distinct spike occurring between 2017 and 2018. Because no standard diagnostic test exists, these figures reflect clinical diagnoses.
The players
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The federal agency responsible for tracking national health trends and public health surveillance data.
The details
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome causes patients to suffer from severe, recurring cycles of nausea, vomiting, and intense stomach pain. The condition is notoriously difficult to diagnose in a clinical setting due to the lack of a standardized diagnostic test or biomarker. Clinicians typically diagnose the syndrome by evaluating a patient’s history of cannabis use alongside the presence of these specific gastrointestinal symptoms.
Timeline
Cannabis potency has risen since the 1970s.
Vermont saw an increase in poisoning ER visits between 2016 and 2022.
Emergency department visits for this syndrome spiked in Vermont between 2017 and 2018.
Health Landscape
This local trend in Vermont follows a pattern established by the national data monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It reflects a broader clinical challenge as medical providers adapt to patients using high-potency cannabis products.
If you experience cycles of unexplained nausea and vomiting, it is important to discuss your symptoms and any substance use honestly with your physician. Because the condition is often difficult to identify, providing your healthcare provider with a full history is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
The takeaway
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is an increasingly recognized clinical issue linked to high-potency cannabis use. Patients dealing with recurring stomach pain or vomiting should track their symptom frequency and consult a physician to rule out other gastrointestinal conditions.
Further reading
For more information on trends and risks, visit Substance Abuse.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wcax.
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