What is scromiting? The cannabis side effect few people know about

What is scromiting?

Scromiting is severe, uncontrollable sickness (vomiting) caused by heavy or long-term cannabis use, often accompanied by intense stomach pain and distress¹.

The term comes from combining screaming and vomiting, and it describes a serious symptom of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).

What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?

CHS is a newly recognised condition linked to long-term cannabis use, causing cycles of nausea, vomiting, and frequent hot baths or showers².

Extreme vomiting during CHS is called "scromiting", and with the number of cannabis users on the rise, this unknown side effect is likely to become more common amongst users.

In simple terms, scromiting is an extreme and painful symptom that can occur as part of CHS - not a separate condition on its own.

What causes scromiting?

Scromiting is caused by long-term or heavy cannabis use, especially with products high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the compound that causes a “high”. Cannabis products that contain only cannabidiol (CBD) rarely cause scromiting.

While cannabis can help with feeling sick (nausea) at first⁴, regular use over time can have the opposite effect.

THC can disrupt your body’s natural systems that control digestion and vomiting, which, for reasons not fully understood, can eventually lead to uncontrollable nausea and vomiting.

Why does scromiting happen only after long-term cannabis use?

Scromiting usually happens only after long-term cannabis use because your body’s response to cannabis changes over time.

Regular use can disrupt the brain and gut systems that control nausea and digestion, so what once helped the stomach can eventually make it worse.

That’s why many people can use cannabis for years without issues before suddenly developing symptoms, making CHS surprising and confusing.

Does scromiting happen to everyone who uses cannabis?

No, it usually only shows up in people who use cannabis heavily or for a long time, especially products high in THC.

Some people can use cannabis for years without ever experiencing it, while others may be more sensitive to its effects on the stomach and digestive system.

Scromiting symptoms

What are the symptoms of scromiting?

You may be experiencing scromiting if you have symptoms such as:

• Severe, repeated vomiting.

• Intense nausea.

• Stomach pain or cramping.

• Sweating and dehydration.

• Distress, crying, or screaming.

• Temporary relief from hot showers or baths.

How long does scromiting last?

Scromiting can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on how severe it is. If cannabis use continues, symptoms may repeat and become harder to manage.

The good news is that many people start to see improvement after stopping cannabis completely - sometimes within a few days, though full relief can take weeks as their body gradually recovers and resets.

Is scromiting dangerous?

Yes, scromiting can be dangerous.

The constant, severe vomiting can lead to:

• Dehydration.

• Electrolyte imbalances.

• Extreme exhaustion.

In some cases, you may need medical care to recover safely.

It’s not something to ignore - if it’s happening, stopping cannabis and getting medical help is the safest way to protect your health.

How is scromiting treated?

Treating scromiting usually starts with stopping cannabis completely.

You can also help manage symptoms at home by:

• Staying hydrated.

• Drinking electrolyte drinks.

• Eating light foods.

• Resting as much as possible.

• Taking warm showers or baths to help with nausea.

In a medical setting, doctors may provide:

• IV fluids to rehydrate.

• Medicines to control nausea.

• Monitoring for complications.

Severe cases may require hospitalisation until symptoms improve.

Key takeaway

Scromiting is a severe symptom of long-term cannabis use, usually linked to high-THC products, and can cause uncontrollable vomiting, dehydration, and extreme discomfort.

The best way to prevent it is to monitor your cannabis use, limit high-THC products, and stop using cannabis if symptoms such as recurring nausea or vomiting appear.

Further reading

1. Randall K & Hayward K: Emergent Medical Illnesses Related to Cannabis Use

2. Galli et al: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome

3. ONS: Drug misuse in England and Wales: year ending March 2025