How Chronic THC Use Can Negatively Affect Teens

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a well-documented and clinically recognized condition that is becoming increasingly common in pediatric settings among teens. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of severe nausea, intense vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration, most commonly involving frequent exposure to high-THC products over time [1]. 

While cannabis is often perceived as having anti-nausea properties, CHS reflects a response in which repeated exposure appears to dysregulate the body’s normal gastrointestinal and neurochemical pathways.

To address the rise of CHS and support teens in reducing cannabis use and managing symptoms, Lotus Behavioral Health has partnered with Nemours Children’s Health System to provide coordinated, evidence-based care.

Teens and CHS: What the Data Shows 

Pediatric emergency departments and hospital systems across the United States are reporting an increasingly high rise in CHS-related visits among teens. Data from recent years show that emergency department visits among teens increased more than 10x between 2016 and 2023. And are continuing to grow in 2026 [2]. 

CHS-related ER visits have increased by an average of over 28% per year, and among frequent cannabis users, nearly 1 in 5 report CHS-like symptoms such as intense nausea and cyclical vomiting that only seem to be managed by taking a hot bath or shower, as reported by many sufferers [2]. 

Why Are Teens at Risk of CHS?

For teens specifically, the risk is higher because their brains and bodies are still developing, and they’re more likely to underestimate how much THC they’re actually consuming. 

Behavioral and social factors also play a role. Adolescents are more likely to experiment with cannabis in social settings or as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or peer pressure. This pattern of use can unintentionally accelerate the onset of CHS [3]. 

Unlike adults, teens often delay seeking medical care due to embarrassment, lack of awareness, or misattributing symptoms to viral illnesses, which can result in repeated emergency visits and prolonged dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.

Why Today’s Cannabis Is More Dangerous Than Parents Realize

Another factor contributing to higher CHS risk in teens is the widespread availability of high-potency THC products. 

The rise of medical and recreational dispensaries has expanded the variety of available products, including vapes, capsules, wax, resin, edibles, and tinctures. Many products today contain THC levels of 70–90% or higher, compared to traditional marijuana flower, which historically averaged less than 10% THC [4]. 

This dramatic increase in potency has changed the way cannabis interacts with the body and the brain, particularly for adolescents and young adults who may be more sensitive to these effects.

The Warning Signs of CHS: What Parents Should Look For

What often makes CHS confusing is how it presents. Many teens (and parents) don’t immediately connect cannabis use to severe vomiting, especially because marijuana is commonly associated with relieving nausea. 

But clinically, CHS follows a very specific pattern, and without intervention, it can lead to repeated hospital visits, serious dehydration, and long-term health complications. 

Common signs of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) include:

• Recurrent or cyclical vomiting (sometimes multiple times per hour)
• Persistent nausea that doesn’t improve with typical treatments
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Frequent hot showers or baths to relieve symptoms (a major red flag)
• Dehydration, weight loss
• Repeated ER visits
• Symptoms that temporarily improve, then return if cannabis use continues

How High-THC Cannabis Products Are Impacting Teen Health 

THC and Brain Development

The teenage brain is still making the connections that control judgment, emotions, memory, and impulse control. Too much THC, the main psychoactive part of cannabis, can interrupt these processes in ways that could have long-lasting effects. 

Many teens think that cannabis is low-risk, but stronger products are becoming linked to long-term problems such as memory loss, inability to focus, and heightened risks of social anxiety and isolation, which increases the risk of depression [5].

THC and Mental Health 

There is growing evidence linking high-THC cannabis use in teens with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and, in some individuals, psychotic symptoms. Adolescents with a family history of mental health conditions may be more vulnerable. Cannabis can also affect mood stability and motivation, sometimes making it harder for teens to stay engaged in school, relationships, and daily responsibilities.

THC and Physical Health

Smoking or vaping may irritate the lungs and contribute to respiratory issues. THC can increase heart rate and impair coordination, raising safety concerns, particularly when driving or engaging in activities that require focus and quick reaction time. Regular use may also lead to sleep disruption and changes in appetite [5].

Hospitals Are Seeing a Rise in Cannabis-Related GI Illnesses in Teens

Over the past decade, pediatric hospitals and emergency departments have documented a clear increase in cannabis-related gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses among teens. 

Over a 7-year period, rates rose from roughly 160 cases per 1 million ED visits to nearly 2,000 per 1 million. These are not isolated spikes; they represent a consistent upward trajectory across states with both legalized and non-legalized cannabis [6]. 

Improved clinical recognition and diagnosis have also contributed to rising numbers. CHS was historically underdiagnosed or misattributed to other conditions, such as cyclic vomiting syndrome or viral illness. With the introduction of clearer diagnostic criteria and formal recognition in medical coding systems, clinicians are now more accurately identifying these cases.  

Patterns of use in this age group often involve frequent consumption, high-potency products, and limited awareness of dosing, all of which increase risk. Combined with ongoing neurologic and physiologic development, these factors contribute to both higher susceptibility and more severe clinical presentations.

Treatment for Cannabis Abuse in Teens at Lotus Behavioral Health

Lotus Behavioral Health is a residential treatment facility for teens located in Winter Springs, Florida. Our programs are designed to support teens and their families with the tools they need to recover from substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. 

Our experienced team understands the developmental and emotional needs of teenage boys and uses evidence-based approaches to help them build resilience, improve coping skills, and foster healthy relationships.

We offer a blend of comprehensive recovery services such as individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and skill-building workshops to help them recover from drug and alcohol abuse. Contact our admissions team today to find support for your son. 

Sources 

[1]  Giorgio, V. (2025). Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Adolescents: A Narrative Review. Pediatric reports, 17(4), 75.

[2] Franceschini, D. (2025). Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, 2016 to 2022. JAMA Network Open, 8(11), e2545310.

[3] Malhi, N. et al. (2025). Cannabis Use in Adolescents. Delaware journal of public health, 11(3), 6–13.

[4] Stuyt, E. (2018). The Problem with the Current High Potency THC Marijuana from the Perspective of an Addiction Psychiatrist. Missouri medicine, 115(6), 482–486.

[5] Pardini, D. et al. (2015). Chronic adolescent marijuana use as a risk factor for physical and mental health problems in young adult men. Psychology of addictive behaviors: journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, 29(3), 552–563.

[6] Chukwu, U. (2024). Trends and Patterns in Emergency Department Visits: A Comprehensive Analysis of Adult Data From the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Database. Cureus, 16(8), e66059.