Figuring out every country in the world's stance on marijuana-use can be tricky.
One thing fair to say is that marijuana is becoming less "taboo" and more accepted culturally across the globe; we have a rise in the number of states and countries enjoying complete legalization of cannabis — Uruguay, Canada, Spain and 9 states in the US at present.
We have a rise in medical cannabis legalization and/or a definite decriminalization of use in other countries — Argentina, Chile, and Belgium, are examples of this category.
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome
With a growing number of users, there will be a rise in Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS); a rare but very real syndrome that occurs in long-term cannabis users (cannabis of the rich-in-THC variety).
CHS causes episodes of nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain and can be easily mistaken for the stomach flu or bug. These episodes are cyclical in nature meaning they occur, resolve and occur again (and so on so forth).
Bathing In Hot Water
What usually arrives with this odd disease is a compulsion for the sufferer to bathe in hot water. It is this fact which usually makes CHS distinguishable from other similar illnesses such as those mentioned above. This compulsion is strong and is said to help alleviate symptoms. Usually, it also helps a doctor to diagnose the condition.
The only known way to resolve CHS completely is to abstain from cannabis use. Once CHS is experienced, sufferers will begin to note that every time they use marijuana, they experience its symptoms time and time again; such is its cyclical nature. This means that complete abstinence from the drug must be considered, with low doses of THC introduced at later stages to see if it is at all tolerated. If so, the user may be able to use low-level THC infused marijuana in the future. However, on many occasions, even the lowest levels are not tolerated by the body at all.
The Cause
It is unknown why some cannabis users experience CHS, but it is known that the higher the level of THC the more at-risk a user is.
A very plausible theory is that an over-use of THC can cause the cannabinoid receptors in the brain to act paradoxically. L.A-based physician, Dr. Bonni Goldstein explains the theory:
"We know that THC is quite effective for stopping nausea and vomiting because THC binds to the receptors on cells located in the part of the brain that control these symptoms. Once THC binds to the receptor, a chemical reaction takes place, telling the cells to stop sending the nausea/vomiting message. But in CHS, THC causes the opposite effect, increasing nausea and vomiting."
Simply put, over-exposure to strong THC causes the cannabinoids in our brain to become confused and behave in an irregular manner. With this knowledge, it seems ideal THC use is using it in low-doses and intermittently for both medical users and recreational users.
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Enjoy marijuana carefully and keep in mind that as you use it more and more you may find yourself "accustomed" to it which leads to using higher and higher THC levels. Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome is still considered rare but numbers are growing (no doubt because legalization is) so be vigilant users!
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