cannabinoid/marijuana use/effects in adolescents

What is it about?

Sudden recurrent vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain lasting for several days is not an uncommon presentation in adolescents, also known as cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS).In the adult literature, similar presentations of recurrent cyclical vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain have been seen in chronic cannabis users in whom symptoms are often temporarily relieved by compulsive hot showers and resolved by cannabis use cessation. This brief report describes 2 cases of CHS in adolescents with recurrent cyclic vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain.

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Why is it important?

Marijuana is the most common illicit drug used in the United States and its use has been increasing among adolescents. Moreover with the legalization of marijuana use in adults , adolescents are receiving mixed messages of marijuana being a safe drug. This is despite evidence of the harmful effects of marijuana on the developing adolescent brain. The potency of tetrahydrocannabinol may also increase with legalization of marijuana and new methods of farming therefore, possibly leading to more toxic effects on the brain. Thus, physicians taking care of children/adolescents need to be vigilant and consider CHS in patients presenting with recurrent cyclic vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, history of marijuana use, positive UDS for THC and relief of symptoms with hot showers. The early diagnosis of CHS may avoid unnecessary recurrent hospitalizations, tests, invasive procedures and medications for patients as well as decrease cost to the health care system.