
Teen’s cannabis-induced vomiting uncovers rare brain disorder
A 15-year-old developed a life-threatening brain condition, Wernicke encephalopathy, caused by thiamine deficiency from prolonged vomiting linked to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome after cannabis use. He lost 25–30 pounds, showed cognitive and movement issues, and initial imaging missed the diagnosis. With IV and oral thiamine and cessation of cannabis, his symptoms improved within a day and he recovered; the case highlights rare neurological risks of CHS in teens and the potential for underdiagnosed thiamine deficiency.













