New Research on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) with Dr. Codi Peterson and Megan Mbengue

On this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk is joined by Dr. Codi Peterson and Megan Mbengue to discuss their newly published paper on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Drawing from their recently published research and clinical experience, they explore what CHS is, how it presents, and why it is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. The conversation covers early warning signs, the prodromal phase, and the severe symptoms patients experience, including the challenges faced in emergency care settings. They also address common misconceptions around cannabis use patterns, frequency, and the role of THC in the development of CHS.

They discuss key factors influencing CHS, including consumption methods such as vaping versus flower, rapid THC absorption, tolerance, and the impact of high-potency products. The discussion explores myths around pesticides, synthetic cannabinoids, and the importance of distinguishing correlation from causation in cannabis-related health outcomes. Additionally, they examine strategies for reducing risk, including tolerance breaks, balanced use, and patient education without stigma. The dialogue further highlights the importance of compassionate care, proper diagnosis, and the role of healthcare professionals in bridging the gap between cannabis use and medical understanding. Finally, they touch on future research directions, the importance of data collection, and how education can shape safer, more informed cannabis use.

This is a conversation for anyone using cannabis regularly, healthcare professionals seeking to better understand CHS, or patients navigating unexplained symptoms. Whether you're exploring cannabis for wellness or working in clinical settings, this episode provides critical insight into responsible use, early warning signs, and the evolving science behind cannabis-related health outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 CHS Is Real

00:58 Welcome And Guests

01:43 Publishing The Study

03:47 What Is CHS

05:04 ER Reality Check

06:17 Scromiting And Severity

09:16 Survey Size And Reach

10:48 Vapes Versus Flower

11:42 Use Patterns And Myths

15:55 Prodrome Phase Warning

18:13 Triggers And Cutting Down

23:41 Is THC The Culprit

26:06 Why Vapes Hit Faster

27:56 Vaping And THC Spikes

29:22 Pesticides Myth Busting

31:57 Tolerance Breaks And Balance

34:08 CHS Education Not Stigma

36:45 ER Diagnosis And Overdiagnosis

38:55 Who Gets CHS Demographics

41:22 Early Warning Signs

43:28 Synthetic Cannabinoid Risks

45:37 Whole Plant Over Isolates

50:02 Future Papers And Next Steps

51:57 Compassion And Closing

Read the Research on CHS

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Publication:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/25785125261421434?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed

Note: This publication is currently behind a paywall but will be available for free on Patreon.

Sponsor

Thank you to our sponsor Storz & Bickel! S&B makes medical-grade dry herb vaporizers which are some of my favorite products to use daily. If you want to check them out, head to storz-bickel.com and use code Riley10 for 10% off most items!

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