New diagnosis code fuels spike in ER visits for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome
ER visits for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, nicknamed 'scromiting' for the severe vomiting, have surged about 370–400% since Oct 2025, largely because a new ICD-10-CM code made CHS easier to diagnose and track; visits rose from 3.35 to 11.26 per 10,000 in Oct 2025 and reached 13.10 per 10,000 by May 2026. CHS can cause intense nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting, sometimes within 24 hours of cannabis use, and is increasingly seen among younger people (especially ages 15–24) and women; vaping is linked to faster onset. Complications include dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, kidney injury, seizures, and even death. The rise reflects greater recognition rather than an entirely new surge in cases.