Doctors eventually diagnosed Sydni with cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition that has surged as recreational cannabis use has grown in the U.S. and beyond. CHS can cause violent, prolonged vomiting, dehydration and dehydration-related complications so severe that some patients require feeding tubes. In Sydni’s worst month she was admitted to hospital seven times and dropped to just 87 pounds (6 stone 3 lbs).
Her symptoms were brutal: dry heaving for hours, waves of nausea that knocked her out of school, and the constant, helpless cycle of feeling briefly better only to relapse within hours. Simple comforts — food, electrolyte drinks, even the taste of supplements — became unbearable. Cold washcloths, ice cubes and licking salt off pretzels were all that offered any relief.
