Watch Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) Unpacked

Posted by on September 16, 2026

Cannabis safety conversations are strongest when they make room for both what we know and what we are still working to understand. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, or CHS, is an important example.

CHS can cause recurring episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration, yet it can be difficult for both patients and healthcare professionals to recognize, diagnose, and discuss. Confusion about the condition can also lead to delayed diagnosis, misinformation, or conversations that leave patients feeling dismissed or stigmatized.

As part of Cannabis Safety Month, Americans for Safe Access brought together medical professionals and a patient advocate to take a closer look at CHS, including symptoms, potential risk factors, diagnostic challenges, treatment approaches, and the importance of distinguishing CHS from other medical conditions.

The panel also explores the relationship between CHS and Cannabis Use Disorder, why the two can sometimes be linked or conflated in healthcare settings, and what those distinctions can mean for patients. The conversation looks at how patients, clinicians, healthcare systems, and cannabis programs can improve CHS education and recognition while addressing legitimate safety concerns without stigmatizing patients or people who use cannabis.

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Speakers

Codi Peterson, PharmD, Associate Clinical Professor at UC Irvine and co-founder of the Pharmacists’ Cannabis Coalition of California, whose work focuses on cannabis pharmacology, endocannabinoid system science, and clinician education.

Michelle Zang, BSN, RN, a certified case manager and the first cannabis care nurse educator in the nation for Health Plan of Nevada, UnitedHealthcare.

Rick Pescatore, DO, a board-certified emergency physician, founder and CEO of BellyMD, editor-in-chief of Emergency Medicine News, and contributing author to the Merck Manual. He has extensive experience in the management of CHS and substance use care in emergency medicine.

Melanie, a cancer survivor and patient advocate who shares her firsthand experience with CHS after years of cannabis use during and after cancer treatment.

Steph Sherer, Founder and President of Americans for Safe Access, moderates the conversation.