If you’re wondering how long does it take to recover from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), the answer varies depending on several factors, but most people see significant improvement within days to weeks after completely stopping cannabis use. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a relatively newly recognized condition that causes severe, cyclical vomiting in long-term, heavy cannabis users. While the intense symptoms can be frightening and debilitating, the good news is that recovery is possible with complete abstinence from all cannabis products. This comprehensive guide will help you understand CHS recovery timelines, what to expect during different phases, factors that influence healing, and how to support your body through the process.
Understanding Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
Before discussing recovery, it’s important to understand what CHS actually is and why it happens.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a condition characterized by repeated episodes of severe nausea and vomiting in people who use cannabis regularly over long periods. This seems paradoxical since cannabis is often used to treat nausea, but with chronic heavy use, the opposite effect can develop.
CHS typically affects people who have used cannabis daily or near-daily for several years, though the exact timeline varies. Some people develop symptoms after just a few months of heavy use, while others use for decades before experiencing problems.
The condition has three distinct phases. The prodromal phase can last months or years and involves early morning nausea, fear of vomiting, and mild abdominal discomfort. Many people maintain normal eating patterns during this phase. The hyperemetic phase is the acute stage with severe, persistent vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. This phase can last hours to days. The recovery phase begins when cannabis use stops completely and symptoms gradually resolve.
Scientists believe CHS develops because chronic cannabis use disrupts the endocannabinoid system, particularly affecting the gut and the brain’s temperature regulation centers. The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but prolonged exposure to THC appears to paradoxically affect receptors that normally help control nausea.
Immediate Recovery: The First 48-72 Hours
The very beginning of recovery from CHS can be the most challenging but also shows the quickest improvements.
When you completely stop all cannabis use, the acute vomiting typically begins to decrease within 24-48 hours. However, this initial period can still involve significant discomfort. Nausea may persist even as vomiting episodes become less frequent. You might still feel the urge to vomit but be able to keep more down.
During these first few days, dehydration is the primary concern. The severe vomiting that characterizes CHS can lead to dangerous fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Many people require intravenous fluids during this phase, especially if they’ve been vomiting for days before stopping cannabis.
Hot showers or baths, which many CHS sufferers instinctively seek out during episodes, may still provide temporary relief during early recovery. This compulsive bathing behavior is actually one of the diagnostic criteria for CHS. The warmth seems to temporarily ease nausea, though the exact reason remains unclear.
Your appetite will likely be very poor during these first days. This is normal and expected. Focus on staying hydrated rather than forcing yourself to eat large meals. Small sips of clear fluids, electrolyte drinks, or ice chips can help prevent dehydration without overwhelming your sensitive stomach.
Sleep patterns may be disrupted during this initial phase. Cannabis withdrawal can cause insomnia, and lingering nausea makes comfortable rest difficult. This improves as days pass.
Short-Term Recovery: Week One
The first week after stopping cannabis marks significant progress for most people with CHS.
By days 3-5, the severe vomiting episodes typically stop completely. You may still experience waves of nausea, but the intense, uncontrollable vomiting that defines CHS usually resolves fairly quickly once all cannabis use ceases.
Your ability to keep food down gradually improves throughout the week. Start with bland, easy-to-digest foods like crackers, toast, bananas, rice, applesauce, or broth. Follow the BRAT diet principle (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) if you’re still experiencing digestive sensitivity. Avoid fatty, spicy, or acidic foods that might trigger nausea.
Hydration becomes easier as vomiting decreases. You should be able to drink normal amounts of water and other fluids by the end of the first week. Continue prioritizing hydration—aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily, more if you’re still recovering from dehydration.
Energy levels during week one often remain low. The combination of cannabis withdrawal, physical exhaustion from vomiting, and depleted nutrition leaves most people feeling quite fatigued. Rest is important during this phase. Don’t push yourself physically—your body needs energy for healing.
Some people experience cannabis withdrawal symptoms during this week, including irritability, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, vivid dreams, decreased appetite, and mood swings. These are separate from CHS symptoms but occur simultaneously during early recovery. Withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable but temporary and generally peak within the first week.
Medium-Term Recovery: Weeks 2-4
During weeks two through four, most people experience substantial improvement in all symptoms.
Nausea typically resolves completely or becomes very mild during this period. Occasional waves of queasiness might still occur, particularly in the morning or when stressed, but they’re much less severe than during the acute phase.
Your appetite should return to normal or near-normal levels by week two or three. You can gradually reintroduce a wider variety of foods, including proteins, vegetables, and fruits. Pay attention to how your body responds—some people find certain foods still trigger mild nausea, though this improves with time.
Digestive function normalizes during this phase. The abdominal pain and discomfort that often accompanies CHS episodes should be gone or significantly reduced. Bowel movements typically return to your normal pattern.
Energy levels steadily improve as you’re able to eat better, sleep more normally, and recover from the physical stress of the hyperemetic episodes. Most people feel significantly more like themselves by weeks three to four.
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms, if present, usually diminish significantly by the end of week two. Sleep improves, mood stabilizes, and psychological symptoms ease. Some people experience lingering sleep disturbances or vivid dreams for several more weeks, but acute withdrawal typically peaks and passes relatively quickly.
The compulsive bathing behavior that characterizes CHS should completely disappear during this recovery period once symptoms resolve. If you no longer need hot showers for nausea relief, that’s a good sign of recovery.
Long-Term Recovery: Months 1-3 and Beyond
Full recovery from CHS typically occurs within the first three months of complete cannabis abstinence, though some aspects may take longer.
By one month after stopping cannabis, most people feel completely recovered from CHS symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain should be entirely resolved. Your digestive system functions normally, and you can eat a regular diet without restrictions.
However, some people report lingering digestive sensitivity or occasional mild nausea for several months. This is less common but can occur, particularly in those who had severe, prolonged CHS episodes or those who experienced significant weight loss and malnutrition during their illness.
The endocannabinoid system—which cannabis use disrupted—takes time to fully rebalance. Research suggests it can take weeks to months for receptor sensitivity and system function to normalize completely after chronic cannabis use. This underlying system recovery happens gradually even after obvious symptoms disappear.
Weight gain often occurs during months one through three for people who lost significant weight during CHS episodes. With normal appetite and eating patterns restored, your body naturally replenishes lost nutritional stores. Healthy weight gain is a positive sign of recovery.
Mental and emotional recovery continues during this period as well. Some people experience prolonged psychological withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, mood changes, or sleep disturbances, for several months. These are distinct from CHS but are part of the overall recovery from chronic cannabis use.
By three months, the vast majority of people who completely abstain from cannabis are fully recovered from CHS with no residual symptoms. Your digestive system functions normally, you can eat anything without triggering nausea, and the risk of another hyperemetic episode is eliminated as long as you remain cannabis-free.
Factors That Affect Recovery Time
Individual recovery timelines vary based on several important factors.
Severity and duration of cannabis use significantly impacts recovery. Someone who used cannabis daily for 2-3 years may recover faster than someone who used heavily for 10-15 years. Higher THC concentrations and more frequent use may extend recovery time.
Number and severity of CHS episodes influences healing. If you caught CHS early after just one or two mild episodes, recovery may be quicker than if you experienced multiple severe episodes with hospitalizations, significant dehydration, and weight loss.
Complete abstinence is absolutely critical. Any cannabis use—even occasional, small amounts—can trigger symptoms again and reset recovery. People who completely stop all forms of cannabis (smoking, vaping, edibles, CBD products with THC) recover much faster than those who try to moderate use.
Overall health status affects recovery speed. Younger, healthier individuals with good nutrition and hydration typically bounce back faster. People with underlying digestive conditions, poor nutrition, or other health issues may need more time.
Supportive care during acute phase makes a difference. Those who received proper medical care, IV fluids, and electrolyte replacement during severe vomiting episodes often recover more smoothly than those who suffered through symptoms without treatment.
Nutritional status plays a role. People who maintained reasonable nutrition despite symptoms or who focus on nutrient-dense foods during recovery tend to feel better faster.
Stress levels can impact recovery. High stress may prolong some symptoms or make them feel worse. Managing stress through healthy coping mechanisms supports faster healing.
What Happens If You Use Cannabis Again?
One of the most important things to understand about CHS recovery is what happens if you resume cannabis use.
Symptoms return. The research and clinical evidence are clear: using cannabis again after CHS almost always causes symptoms to return. Sometimes symptoms come back after just one use; sometimes it takes weeks or months of resumed use. But for the vast majority of people with CHS, any cannabis use eventually triggers symptoms again.
The return of symptoms may be immediate or gradual. Some people report that a single use of cannabis triggers vomiting within hours or days. Others find they can use occasionally for weeks or months before symptoms gradually reappear. However, once CHS has developed, most experts believe the condition is permanent—meaning you’ll always be susceptible if you use cannabis.
Severity often worsens with repeated episodes. Many people find that subsequent CHS episodes are worse than earlier ones. The vomiting may be more severe, last longer, or be harder to control. Some people require hospitalization during repeat episodes even if they managed earlier episodes at home.
Recovery takes longer after relapse. If you resume cannabis use and trigger CHS again, the recovery period may be extended compared to your initial recovery. Your body may take longer to stabilize after repeated disruption to the endocannabinoid system.
CBD products are not safe alternatives. Many CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, which can be enough to trigger CHS in susceptible individuals. Even “THC-free” CBD products sometimes contain small amounts that aren’t listed on labels. The safest approach is avoiding all cannabis-derived products.
The bottom line: complete, permanent abstinence from all cannabis products is the only reliable way to prevent CHS recurrence. There is no “safe” amount of cannabis use for someone who has developed this condition.
Supporting Your Body During Recovery
While time and abstinence are the main factors in CHS recovery, you can support your body’s healing process.
Prioritize hydration throughout recovery. Water is essential, but electrolyte drinks can be particularly helpful in the early days when you’re recovering from dehydration. Coconut water, sports drinks, or oral rehydration solutions provide electrolytes your body needs. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can be dehydrating.
Eat nutrient-dense foods once you can tolerate solid food. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These provide the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body needs to heal. If you lost weight during CHS episodes, gradual, healthy weight gain is important.
Take a multivitamin if recommended by your doctor. Prolonged vomiting and poor nutrition may have depleted your vitamin and mineral stores. A basic multivitamin can help replenish these while you work on improving your diet.
Rest adequately. Your body does much of its healing work during sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. If cannabis withdrawal is causing sleep difficulties, establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and keep your bedroom dark and cool.
Manage stress through healthy coping mechanisms. Stress can worsen digestive symptoms and slow recovery. Try gentle exercise like walking, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, spending time in nature, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy. Avoid using substances (including alcohol) as stress relief.
Stay active with gentle exercise once you feel able. Walking, light stretching, or gentle yoga can improve mood, aid digestion, and support overall health. Don’t push yourself too hard early in recovery—start slow and gradually increase activity as energy returns.
Seek support for cannabis cessation. If you’re struggling to stay abstinent, consider counseling, support groups, or addiction treatment programs. Many people used cannabis to self-medicate for anxiety, depression, pain, or sleep issues—addressing these underlying concerns with healthier strategies supports long-term recovery.
Medical Treatment During Recovery
While time is the ultimate healer for CHS, medical support can ease the recovery process.
During acute episodes, medical intervention often includes IV fluids to treat dehydration, anti-nausea medications (though these are often less effective for CHS than for other causes of vomiting), pain management for abdominal discomfort, and electrolyte replacement. Some hospitals use haloperidol or other medications that have shown effectiveness for CHS symptoms.
In the recovery phase, medical care focuses on symptom management and monitoring. Your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea medication if you have lingering nausea, recommend probiotics to support digestive health, or suggest supplements if blood work shows nutritional deficiencies.
Follow-up care is important, especially if you had severe episodes. Your doctor may want to check your electrolyte levels, kidney function, and overall health after significant dehydration and vomiting. This is particularly important if you were hospitalized.
Mental health support may be beneficial during recovery. Stopping cannabis after long-term use can be emotionally challenging. Anxiety and depression sometimes worsen temporarily during withdrawal. A therapist or psychiatrist can provide support and, if needed, medication to help manage these symptoms while you adjust.
Be honest with healthcare providers about your cannabis use history. Some people feel embarrassed or fear judgment, but doctors need complete information to provide proper care. CHS is a medical condition, not a moral failing, and healthcare providers are increasingly familiar with it.
Long-Term Prevention and Lifestyle Changes
Preventing CHS recurrence means complete cannabis abstinence and addressing why you used cannabis in the first place.
Identify your triggers. Why did you use cannabis? Was it for anxiety, sleep problems, chronic pain, social reasons, or simply habit? Understanding your motivations helps you develop healthier alternatives.
Develop new coping strategies. If you used cannabis for stress or anxiety, learn evidence-based techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation. If you used it for sleep, practice good sleep hygiene, establish consistent sleep schedules, and avoid screens before bed.
Address underlying health conditions appropriately. If you were self-medicating for pain, anxiety, depression, or other health issues, work with healthcare providers to find effective, safer treatments. Many conditions have evidence-based treatments that don’t carry the risk of CHS.
Build a support system. Surround yourself with people who support your decision to stay cannabis-free. This might mean changing your social circle, being honest with friends and family about your condition, or joining support groups for people dealing with substance use issues.
Avoid situations with cannabis. Especially early in recovery, avoid places, people, and situations where cannabis is present. This reduces temptation and makes abstinence easier.
Create new routines and habits. If cannabis use was woven into your daily routine, consciously create new, healthy routines to replace it. Morning exercise instead of morning use, evening walks instead of evening sessions, new hobbies that don’t involve cannabis culture.
Remember the consequences. When you feel tempted to use cannabis again, remember how awful CHS symptoms were. Many people find it helpful to write down their worst experiences during acute episodes and review these notes when cravings occur.
Recognizing Warning Signs of Relapse
Stay alert to warning signs that might indicate you’re at risk of returning to cannabis use.
Romanticizing past use is a common relapse warning sign. If you find yourself thinking “it wasn’t really that bad” or focusing on positive memories of cannabis use while minimizing the terrible CHS symptoms, you’re at higher risk.
Believing you can moderate is dangerous thinking. Some people convince themselves they can use “just occasionally” or “just small amounts” without triggering CHS. For the vast majority of people with CHS, any use eventually causes recurrence.
Increased stress or life challenges can trigger the urge to use cannabis as a coping mechanism. Be especially vigilant during difficult times, and use healthy coping strategies instead.
Associating with people who use cannabis regularly makes abstinence harder. If your social circle revolves around cannabis culture, you’re at higher risk of relapse.
Experiencing cravings is normal during recovery but requires attention. Cravings typically decrease over time but may persist for months. Having a plan for managing cravings—calling a friend, exercising, using relaxation techniques—helps you stay on track.
If you notice these warning signs, take action immediately. Reach out to your support system, contact a therapist or counselor, or attend a support group meeting. Early intervention prevents actual relapse.
CHS vs. Other Conditions: Ensuring Proper Diagnosis
It’s important to confirm your symptoms are actually CHS and not another condition with similar symptoms.
CHS shares symptoms with several other conditions, including cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), which causes similar patterns of vomiting but isn’t related to cannabis. Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) can cause chronic nausea and vomiting. Cannabinoid withdrawal itself can cause nausea, though it’s typically much milder than CHS.
Key diagnostic criteria for CHS include: heavy, prolonged cannabis use (usually daily for months or years), cyclic episodes of severe vomiting, temporary relief from hot showers or baths, resolution of symptoms with cannabis cessation, and no other medical condition that better explains symptoms.
If symptoms don’t resolve within a few weeks of stopping cannabis, see a doctor for further evaluation. Persistent symptoms might indicate another condition that requires different treatment.
Some people have both CHS and another condition simultaneously. Proper medical evaluation ensures all issues are identified and treated appropriately.
The Psychological Aspect of Recovery
Recovery from CHS isn’t just physical—there’s a significant psychological component.
Many people feel grief or loss when giving up cannabis, especially if it was a major part of their identity, social life, or coping mechanisms. These feelings are valid and normal. Allow yourself to acknowledge the loss while focusing on gains—better health, no more terrifying vomiting episodes, and improved quality of life.
Fear of recurrence is common. Many people who’ve experienced severe CHS episodes develop anxiety around nausea or vomiting. This usually improves with time as you remain symptom-free, but some people benefit from therapy to process the trauma of severe episodes.
Identity changes may be necessary. If you identified as a cannabis user or if cannabis culture was central to your social life, you’ll need to develop a new sense of identity separate from cannabis use. This is challenging but leads to personal growth.
Rebuilding trust with family and friends who may have been affected by your illness or concerned about your cannabis use takes time and consistent action. Staying cannabis-free and maintaining your health demonstrates reliability and commitment.
Processing the diagnosis can be difficult. Some people feel angry that cannabis, which they believed was harmless or even beneficial, caused such severe illness. Working through these emotions with a therapist can be helpful.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About CHS Recovery
- Can I recover from CHS while still using cannabis occasionally?
No, recovery from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome requires complete abstinence from all cannabis products. There is no “safe” amount of cannabis for someone with CHS. Even occasional, small amounts of cannabis can trigger symptoms again or prevent full recovery. Some people try to moderate their use or switch to different forms of cannabis, but this almost always results in symptom recurrence. The endocannabinoid system needs to fully reset without any cannabis exposure to heal properly. Complete, permanent abstinence is the only reliable way to recover from CHS and prevent future episodes.
- How soon after stopping cannabis will I stop vomiting?
Most people experience significant reduction in vomiting within 24-48 hours of completely stopping all cannabis use. The severe, uncontrollable vomiting that characterizes CHS typically begins to improve quite quickly once there’s no new cannabis entering your system. However, some nausea may persist for several more days, and you might still have occasional episodes of vomiting during the first few days. By day 3-5, the acute vomiting phase usually resolves completely for most people. If you’re still experiencing severe vomiting after 5-7 days of complete cannabis abstinence, consult a doctor to rule out other conditions or complications.
- Will CBD products be safe to use after recovering from CHS?
No, CBD products are generally not considered safe for people who have had CHS. While CBD itself doesn’t cause the condition (THC is the primary culprit), many CBD products contain trace amounts of THC that may not be accurately labeled. Even small amounts of THC can potentially trigger CHS symptoms in someone who has developed the condition. Additionally, some research suggests CBD might contribute to the syndrome in combination with THC. The safest approach is to avoid all cannabis-derived products, including CBD oils, gummies, and topicals. If you need CBD for a specific medical condition, discuss alternatives with your doctor.
- Can CHS come back years after I’ve recovered if I never use cannabis again?
No, if you completely abstain from all cannabis products, CHS will not spontaneously return. The condition is directly caused by chronic cannabis use disrupting your endocannabinoid system. Without cannabis exposure, your system returns to normal functioning and symptoms don’t recur. However, if you use cannabis again—even years after full recovery—CHS symptoms can and usually do return. Many people who try cannabis again after long abstinence periods find that symptoms come back, sometimes even faster or more severely than before. The condition appears to create a permanent vulnerability to cannabis that doesn’t go away with time.
- How much weight will I gain back during CHS recovery?
Weight regain varies greatly depending on how much you lost during CHS episodes and your individual metabolism. If you experienced significant weight loss from prolonged vomiting and inability to eat, you can expect to regain most or all of that weight within 1-3 months of recovery as your appetite normalizes and you can eat regularly again. Some people regain weight quickly in the first few weeks, while others experience more gradual regain over several months. Focus on eating nutritious, calorie-dense foods rather than just increasing portion sizes. If you lost a significant amount of weight or aren’t regaining appropriately, consult a doctor or nutritionist for guidance.
- Why do hot showers help CHS symptoms, and will I still need them during recovery?
Scientists don’t fully understand why hot showers provide temporary relief from CHS symptoms, but theories include: the heat affecting temperature-regulating brain areas that are disrupted in CHS, warmth drawing blood flow away from the gut, or distraction from symptoms. During active CHS episodes, many people compulsively bathe in very hot water for hours seeking relief. As you recover and cannabis leaves your system, the need for hot showers should decrease and eventually disappear completely—usually within the first week of abstinence. If you still feel the compulsive need for hot showers weeks into recovery, this might indicate you haven’t fully stopped cannabis or there’s another medical issue that needs evaluation.
- Can I ever use marijuana medicinally again if I had CHS?
Medical marijuana is not safe for anyone who has developed CHS, regardless of the reason they want to use it. The condition doesn’t discriminate between recreational and medical use—if you have CHS and use cannabis for any purpose, symptoms will likely return. This can be devastating for people who relied on medical cannabis for chronic pain, anxiety, or other conditions. However, the risks of CHS recurrence outweigh potential benefits. Work with your healthcare provider to find alternative treatments for whatever condition you were treating with cannabis. Many effective, evidence-based treatments exist for most conditions people use medical marijuana for, without the risk of severe, recurrent vomiting episodes.
- Should I go to the emergency room during CHS recovery?
You should seek emergency care if you experience: inability to keep down any liquids for more than 12-24 hours, signs of severe dehydration (extreme thirst, very dark urine, dizziness, confusion), severe abdominal pain that worsens or differs from typical CHS pain, blood in your vomit, symptoms that worsen significantly after several days of abstinence, or any other concerning symptoms. Most people can recover from CHS at home with rest and hydration, but severe cases sometimes require IV fluids and medical monitoring. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms warrant emergency care, call your doctor or a nurse hotline for guidance. It’s better to seek care if uncertain than to risk serious complications from dehydration.
- Will my digestive system ever be completely normal again after CHS?
Yes, for the vast majority of people, the digestive system returns to complete normal function after CHS recovery with sustained cannabis abstinence. Within 1-3 months of stopping cannabis, your gut should function exactly as it did before developing CHS. You’ll be able to eat a normal diet without restrictions, won’t experience nausea or vomiting, and won’t have abdominal pain related to CHS. A small percentage of people report lingering digestive sensitivity for several months, but this is uncommon. If you continue experiencing digestive issues months after stopping cannabis, see a gastroenterologist to rule out other conditions. The endocannabinoid system has remarkable ability to heal and rebalance when given the opportunity through complete abstinence.
- What’s the relapse rate for CHS—do most people start using cannabis again?
Reliable statistics on CHS relapse rates aren’t well established since the condition has only been widely recognized relatively recently. However, clinical experience suggests relapse rates are unfortunately quite high, similar to other substance use disorders. Many people return to cannabis use despite experiencing terrible CHS symptoms, sometimes due to addiction, sometimes because they don’t believe one use will hurt, and sometimes because underlying conditions that led to cannabis use aren’t adequately addressed. Studies that have followed CHS patients show that a significant percentage resume cannabis use within months to years. However, those who receive proper education about the condition, address underlying reasons for use, and develop strong support systems have much better outcomes for maintaining abstinence.
