A medical doctor and addiction recovery coach is speaking out about a little-known but serious condition linked to heavy, long-term cannabis use. Although marijuana remains illegal in the UK, many people continue to use it recreationally, often without understanding the risks that can develop over time.

One such risk is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a disorder seen in chronic users. CHS causes persistent nausea, stomach pain, and intense bouts of vomiting that may strike several times an hour. Some episodes can last one to two days. Doctors have even given the condition a grim nickname—“scromiting,” a blend of “screaming” and “vomiting.”

The NHS describes CHS as progressing through three phases. The prodromal phase brings morning nausea and abdominal discomfort that may linger for months or even years. During the hyperemetic phase, symptoms escalate to repeated vomiting, weight loss, and severe stomach pain. Recovery begins only once cannabis use stops, and symptoms often return if use resumes.

Dr. Frank Michalski, who once struggled with cannabis, nicotine, and caffeine addictions, says CHS can create life-altering complications. Beyond the extreme vomiting, he warns that dehydration and poor nutrition may lead to significant bone density loss, something he experienced himself.

His message is direct: CHS is long-term and requires complete avoidance of cannabis. Many people, he adds, rely on marijuana to cope with trauma or stress, but once addiction develops, the drug often causes far more harm than help. He encourages anyone struggling to seek professional support and begin addressing the underlying issues driving their use.