Legalization for medicinal use in 28 states and the District of Columbia has made marijuana the most sought after prescription drug - used for both medical and recreational purposes - in the United States. However, the legalization of cannabis gave way to a series of arguments revolving around the association between legalization and the fear of marijuana addiction.
The 2016 Monitoring the Future (MTF) study highlighted the growing popularity of the drug among college students and teenagers in America. As per it, 38 percent of college students admitted to using marijuana a year prior to the study. Moreover, in recent years, there has been an increase, from 3.5 percent in 2007 to 5.9 percent in 2014, in the daily or regular use of marijuana among the college students. It is the highest level of daily use measured in the last 34 years, added the study.
It is known that a regular use of marijuana can lead to several side effects. Now, researchers from the University of Colorado have associated the drug with a rare illness that results in abdominal pain and vomiting. The disease is characterized by bouts of severe vomiting, without any apparent cause. Medically referred to as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), it is a rare disease that has a high occurrence rate in the states that have legalized the drug for medical and recreational purposes.
Marijuana causing vomiting syndrome
While the experts are clueless about the origin of the rare illness among marijuana users, a segment of the population believes that it may be because medical marijuana is stronger than those sold in streets for illicit use. Apparently, more and more young adults experienced recurrent episodes of vomiting and abdominal pain, soon after the drug was legalized in several U.S. states.
However, vomiting syndrome was first noticed in Australia in 2004, where use of medical marijuana was not bound by drug laws. Incidentally, the doctors in Australia noticed that heavy users of marijuana had bouts of vomiting and abdominal pain that repeated every few weeks or months and lasted for years.
Back then, while the authorities were worried about the growing numbers of patients, they also discovered that quitting marijuana did not prevent the recurrence of the symptoms. Interestingly, people experiencing the symptoms attained relief with a hot shower or bath or by taking intravenous (IV) fluid.
However, it is still unknown as to what causes marijuana users to develop this rare condition. As per the experts, a regular use of high-grade marijuana (for medical purposes) introduces changes in the regulatory system of gastrointestinal tract in the body, which further causes subsequent abdominal pain and vomiting. Since the syndrome is specifically found in users smoking marijuana regularly, experts are yet to explore the reasons why CHS is not prevalent in everyone who ingests the drug.
Leading a drug-free life is possible
Treatment options are available for those dependent on cannabis and they can successfully steer themselves out of any dependence and addiction. Seeking treatment in addiction rehab centers helps in getting rid of the withdrawal symptoms and ensures a smooth journey toward sobriety. With the presence in several cities across the U.S., the numerous addiction treatment centers of Sovereign Health have enabled thousands of patients to overcome their addiction to various legal or illegal substances, bringing them back to the path of sobriety. The comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs of Sovereign Addiction Services ensure that recovery is long-term for all patients. One must not delay the treatment to avoid things from going out of hand.
If you or a loved one is addicted to cannabis or any other substance, connect with a Sovereign representative at our 24/7 helpline number 855-683-9756 and understand about marijuana addiction treatment or other states. Our cost-effective marijuana rehab centers and highly successful programs can help patients tide over their addiction problem and regain life.
By Susan Navarez
Article Source: Heavy Pot Smokers Found to Be Prone to Vomiting Syndrome
The 2016 Monitoring the Future (MTF) study highlighted the growing popularity of the drug among college students and teenagers in America. As per it, 38 percent of college students admitted to using marijuana a year prior to the study. Moreover, in recent years, there has been an increase, from 3.5 percent in 2007 to 5.9 percent in 2014, in the daily or regular use of marijuana among the college students. It is the highest level of daily use measured in the last 34 years, added the study.
It is known that a regular use of marijuana can lead to several side effects. Now, researchers from the University of Colorado have associated the drug with a rare illness that results in abdominal pain and vomiting. The disease is characterized by bouts of severe vomiting, without any apparent cause. Medically referred to as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), it is a rare disease that has a high occurrence rate in the states that have legalized the drug for medical and recreational purposes.
Marijuana causing vomiting syndrome
While the experts are clueless about the origin of the rare illness among marijuana users, a segment of the population believes that it may be because medical marijuana is stronger than those sold in streets for illicit use. Apparently, more and more young adults experienced recurrent episodes of vomiting and abdominal pain, soon after the drug was legalized in several U.S. states.
However, vomiting syndrome was first noticed in Australia in 2004, where use of medical marijuana was not bound by drug laws. Incidentally, the doctors in Australia noticed that heavy users of marijuana had bouts of vomiting and abdominal pain that repeated every few weeks or months and lasted for years.
Back then, while the authorities were worried about the growing numbers of patients, they also discovered that quitting marijuana did not prevent the recurrence of the symptoms. Interestingly, people experiencing the symptoms attained relief with a hot shower or bath or by taking intravenous (IV) fluid.
However, it is still unknown as to what causes marijuana users to develop this rare condition. As per the experts, a regular use of high-grade marijuana (for medical purposes) introduces changes in the regulatory system of gastrointestinal tract in the body, which further causes subsequent abdominal pain and vomiting. Since the syndrome is specifically found in users smoking marijuana regularly, experts are yet to explore the reasons why CHS is not prevalent in everyone who ingests the drug.
Leading a drug-free life is possible
Treatment options are available for those dependent on cannabis and they can successfully steer themselves out of any dependence and addiction. Seeking treatment in addiction rehab centers helps in getting rid of the withdrawal symptoms and ensures a smooth journey toward sobriety. With the presence in several cities across the U.S., the numerous addiction treatment centers of Sovereign Health have enabled thousands of patients to overcome their addiction to various legal or illegal substances, bringing them back to the path of sobriety. The comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs of Sovereign Addiction Services ensure that recovery is long-term for all patients. One must not delay the treatment to avoid things from going out of hand.
If you or a loved one is addicted to cannabis or any other substance, connect with a Sovereign representative at our 24/7 helpline number 855-683-9756 and understand about marijuana addiction treatment or other states. Our cost-effective marijuana rehab centers and highly successful programs can help patients tide over their addiction problem and regain life.
By Susan Navarez
Article Source: Heavy Pot Smokers Found to Be Prone to Vomiting Syndrome