Recreational marijuana use is still illegal in Texas, despite its growing legal status in neighboring states. Unfortunately, the fact that it’s illegal doesn’t stop teens from using it. Texas middle and high school students are using marijuana more often than any other drug. 22% of Texas students say they’ve used marijuana at least once, while 14% say they’re currently using it. What’s even more surprising is that, due to shifting attitudes surrounding marijuana, 40% of teens believe that it’s harmless.
Unfortunately, the more time goes by, the more we realize marijuana is not harmless. For teens in particular, marijuana use can cause neurological changes that affect memory and decision-making, a decline in IQ and performance in school, and can even increase the risk of mental health conditions. Another unfortunate side effect of teen marijuana use is called “scromiting”, and it isn’t something that should be treated lightly.
At Roots Renewal Ranch, we know how all-consuming it can be to worry about your daughter, especially if you suspect substance use. Let’s talk about scromiting, what it looks like, and what it means for your teen’s health.
What Is Scromiting?
Scromiting isn’t an “official” medical term, but it comes from something called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, or CHS – a condition that causes repeated and severe bouts of vomiting. This isn’t a particularly common condition, so many haven’t heard of it before. It’s caused by chronic cannabis use, and it typically only presents itself after several years of heavy and chronic consumption.
There is a lack of research on what exactly causes CHS, but some researchers believe it happens due to an overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Others say genetics may play a role in the onset of CHS.
The name “scromiting” exists because many nurses and physicians were beginning to notice something strange in those presenting with CHS: they were screaming while they were vomiting. Screaming + vomiting = scromiting! It’s believed that nausea/vomiting associated with scromiting is so painful that it can cause people to scream while throwing up.
What Are the Causes of Scromiting?
Cannabis is excreted from the body in three ways: through urine, feces, and metabolites. Those with obesity or extra weight may also store marijuana (THC) in fatty tissues, so it can remain in the body for longer periods. Some researchers believe that when THC is stored in the body in high amounts, or when too much of it has built up in the system, it impacts the CB1 receptors (areas in the gut that react to cannabis), which can cause severe vomiting. In other words, scromiting and CHS are caused by chronic or regular marijuana use.
What Are the Symptoms of Scromiting?
Aside from screaming while vomiting, there are other symptoms you can look out for. Here are some other side effects caused by CHS:
- Vomiting five or more times per hour
- Frequent pain in the abdomen
- Regular bouts of dehydration
- Excessive sweating
- Changes in body temperature
- Weight loss
- Constant nausea
If you’re seeing signs like these in your daughter, we recommend asking her about it before accusing her of chronic cannabis use. This is a great opportunity to start an ongoing dialogue about some of the lesser-known side effects of using cannabis.
Something important to remember about CHS, or scromiting, is that it can become harmful if it goes untreated. Dehydration alone (caused by vomiting) poses a serious health risk. If your daughter is vomiting regularly or experiencing frequent abdominal pain and weight loss, it’s important to see your physician as soon as possible – whether or not you believe she’s using marijuana.
What is the Link Between THC and Scromiting?
Did you know that over the years, the levels of THC in marijuana have gone up by over 80%? When our teens choose to partake in marijuana use, it’s not the same marijuana our generation (or our parent’s generation) is used to. We’re talking about incredibly high levels of THC, which over time, can become toxic to both the mind and body.
It’s more than that, though. THC is now marketed specifically to teenagers. Rappers and pop artists talk about it in their songs like it’s a cure-all for anxiety or boredom. Marijuana is being produced in candies, gummies, brownies, or drinks marketed toward young adults. Because of the legalization of cannabis in surrounding states, it’s becoming more readily available than ever before.
It isn’t just pop culture, either. A recent JAMA survey of nearly 25,000 child-parent duos found that parents play a huge role. If parents are using it, kids will likely use it, too. Marijuana use has become incredibly normalized in our culture, but there’s not enough research on how it impacts the teen brain (or physical health) in the long term. Scromiting is happening because THC levels are high and pop-culture knowledge surrounding the side effects of chronic cannabis use is limited.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Scromiting?
The only cure for scromiting or CHS is to eliminate the use of all THC-related products. After about two weeks, the GI tract should return to normal working condition, pending any additional complications.
Here’s something to consider: If your daughter has been using marijuana for a prolonged period, it may not be easy for her to stop. There’s a common misconception that “quitting” marijuana isn’t as bad as discontinuing alcohol or opioid use. It’s true that marijuana withdrawal may not cause serious or adverse effects in some people, but it is by no means “easy” for teens to stop – especially if they have been using it as self-medication or a way to escape deep-seated emotional pain/trauma. Marijuana withdrawal symptoms are very real, and they may present themselves as:
- Rebound anxiety, depression, or agitation
- Decreased appetite
- Trouble sleeping or insomnia
- Nightmares
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Headaches
- Tremors
If your daughter has been using marijuana, she may need help transitioning back into a healthy lifestyle. This is where treatment centers like Roots Renewal Ranch can help. High-quality treatment will not only monitor her physical well-being but also teach her healthy coping strategies for the future. Eventually, she will learn that she can cope with difficult feelings and situations without the use of cannabis.
The Long-Term Effects of Marijuana Use in Teens May Surprise You (And Her!)
There is still more research needed to conclude just how much marijuana use impacts us in the long term, but so far, here are some things we’ve learned:
- Long-term marijuana use that starts in adolescence can lead to a loss of 6-8 IQ points measured in mid-adulthood
- Cumulative lifetime exposure to marijuana has been associated with lower scores on verbal memory tests
- Long-term marijuana use can impact cognitive functioning into adulthood
- It’s possible that children exposed to THC during adolescence will show problems with learning and memory tasks later in life
- There is a higher risk of lung illness and infections in those who regularly use marijuana
Getting Help For Marijuana Use Disorder at Roots Renewal Ranch
Roots Renewal Ranch works to help cleanse, equip, empower, and renew young women so they can reach their full potential. Every girl who is managing a marijuana use disorder is strong enough to face any challenge and overcome every fear. Roots offers unique, effective, and proven treatments in a beautiful, nurturing, and compassionate setting. Here are a few things that make treatment at Roots so unique:
- We offer trauma-informed care. This is an approach based on acknowledging the impact of trauma, recognizing residual trauma symptoms, and addressing how trauma might play a current role in your daughter’s life. We work with girls to not only face their current struggles but also avoid retraumatization in the future.
- We believe in the healing power of animals. While your daughter is staying at Roots, she’ll learn to care for all of the animals on our stunning ranch, including alpacas, dogs, chickens, pigs, and bunnies.
- We work to create a peaceful, beautiful, and loving environment. Roots Renewal Ranch is located on multiple acres of green and lush Texas farmland. Your daughter will participate in outdoor activities like archery, gardening, fishing, hiking, rope courses, camping, and so much more.
- We offer treatment for girls with a dual diagnosis. This means if your daughter is managing substance use disorder alongside a mental condition, we work with her to create mentally healthy habits and find freedom from addiction.
Roots Renewal Ranch uses a comprehensive, whole-child (bio-psycho-social-spiritual) approach to treating marijuana use disorders in a safe, distraction-free environment. Girls at Roots learn to journey through their life stories, discover their core roots, create a loving sense of self, and build hope in a healthy and purposeful life.
To learn more about our 90-day adolescent inpatient program or our other treatment programs, call 888-399-0489 today!
FAQs About What Is Scromiting
Can you smoke weed while having Scromiting?
Smoking weed will only make scromiting worse.
Who is likely to get Scromiting?
People who use marijuana regularly or who have used it for long periods are more likely to develop scromiting than those who only use it on occasion.
What physical health issues does scromiting cause?
Scromiting can cause damage to the GI tract, dehydration, and episodic abdominal pain.
