Chronic cannabis use can cause vomiting and compulsive bathing
22 March 2002
Abdominal pains, nausea and compulsive bathing are indicators of a newly diagnosed disorder related to chronic cannabis use, according to a South Australian GP.
Dr Hugh Allen, who works in the Adelaide Hills, defined cannabinoid hyperemesis or 'marijuana morning sickness' after studying about 15 long-term, chronic marijuana smokers, all of whom had a peculiar behavioural pattern.
'They all smoked marijuana and had for several years had a prolonged history of cyclically vomiting and funny bathing behaviour,' he said.
'They would have a hot bath, jump out, start feeling sick again, so jump back in. Some had 5 to 6 baths a day, some had 15.'
Dr Allen said the disorder was 'like an allergy to cannabis', with the only cure being complete cannabis cessation.
Pointers to cannabinoid hyperemesis
Dr Allen says pointers to cannabinoid hyperemesis include:
- a history of ongoing cannabis abuse;
- cyclical episodes of vomiting; and
- compulsive bathing behaviour.
Last Reviewed: 28 March 2002
- Medical Observer Weekly 22/3/02
