r/Marijuana • u/Indigoez • 2d ago
My(25f) boyfriend(27) can't smoke Advice
I smoke a lot, generally I clear a gram of wax every 5-6 days if I'm conservative. My boyfriend is a complete sweetheart, and doesn't mind hanging out with me when I bake up, but he has Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome and can't smoke anything without puking. I can tell he really misses it and I wish he could enjoy it too.
I was wondering if anyone knew of a safe, legal alternative. He's said he can take a hit of a cart once in a while but if he overdoes it he ends up puking anyway. Drinking isn't something either of us are big fans of, so that's out. I don't think either of us need substances to enjoy ourselves but I was wondering if anyone has advice on this topic, it would still be nice if I could have something for him to enjoy too. Thanks to anyone who replies 💜
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u/MyGlassHalfFool 2d ago
Idk sometimes i’m the same and can’t smoke at all, I don’t like drinking at all, I don’t smoke nic, and i’m too scared to try anything else lol Im pretty content with doing nothing though(as far as getting high), I have a pretty good time sober so Im sure your bf really isn’t looking for anything either tbh
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u/Indigoez 2d ago
I'm sure he isn't either but it would be a nice surprise sometime I think 🥺 idk this is the first guy I've been with who treats me right so I wanna be extra for him😇 if there's not a good alternative that's okay.
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u/MyGlassHalfFool 2d ago
sex is the nice high tbh and good head 🤷♂️
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u/Indigoez 2d ago
Oh believe me he's getting PLENTY🤭
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u/440weedluver 5h ago
Could you provide proof of this claim🤣😆
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u/Indigoez 4h ago
Fansly.com/sith_holocrons lol, I'll get him signed up next weekend and then we're gonna make content together ;3 bear in mind I am a trans girl if that's not your thing.
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u/Illustrious-Golf9979 2d ago
Rso or troches? Patches? Creams? There is a million ways to enjoy cannabis!
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u/Indigoez 2d ago
Idk, I know the only weed he can enjoy without puking is a distillate cart and he has to be REALLY conservative
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u/Illustrious-Golf9979 2d ago
I posted a bunch of info For you after researching during breakfast. I used a few apps to compile and propagate the info Into something you can digest. I pray, it helps. Let me know when you read it.
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u/sion006 2d ago
MDMA
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u/Indigoez 2d ago
We do rave... He doesn't partake in most party drugs though. I'm thinking about trying to score some, or some psychs for him, but I wanted to see if there was something less intense/more legal he could enjoy🥺
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u/AbstractMirror 2d ago
I know nothing about that syndrome, but is it possible he could use edibles? Or is it any form of taking in cannabis affects him
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u/Indigoez 2d ago
Edibles are the absolute worst thing, tbh I get sick when I take em too, I just don't scromit.
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u/AbstractMirror 2d ago
I also don't like edibles I prefer smoking, was just wondering if for his case that works. Sorry to hear that!
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u/Illustrious-Golf9979 2d ago edited 2d ago
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): Summary Report
Definition and Common Characteristics
CHS is a form of hyperemesis (severe vomiting) associated with prolonged cannabis use. While there is no official diagnostic criteria, common characteristics include:
- Age under 50 at symptom onset
- Regular cannabis use for over 1 year (at least weekly)
- Severe cyclical nausea and vomiting recurring over months
- Abdominal pain
- Symptom resolution upon stopping cannabis use
- Compulsive hot showering/bathing that provides relief
- Resistance to traditional anti-nausea medications
- Weight loss
Case Characterization
Based on 29 case reports covering 36 unique individuals: - Age range: 15-47 years - Usage frequency: Majority (58%) used cannabis daily - Duration of use: 36% used for 10+ years, 25% used for 1-10 years
Treatment Approaches and Effectiveness
Pharmacological Treatments
Most commonly tried medications included: - Antiemetics (most frequently tried but often failed) - Antipsychotics - Anti-reflux medications - Hydration therapy
Key finding: No pharmacological treatment provided complete symptom relief consistently.
Behavioral Treatments
Most effective approaches: 1. Hot showers/baths (100% success rate in documented cases) 2. Behavior modification (68% success rate) - Including cannabis reduction - Complete cessation - Switching cannabis formulations
Less successful approaches: - Cognitive behavioral therapy - Drug rehabilitation - Motivational enhancement therapy
Clinical Implications
Risk Assessment
- All documented cases were under 50 years old
- Most frequent users (daily consumption) showed highest risk
- Failed response to antiemetics may indicate CHS
Management Recommendations
- Consider CHS in young adults with unexplained cyclic vomiting
- Recommend hot showers/baths for immediate symptom relief
- Advise behavior modification regarding cannabis use
- Use validated cannabis risk screening tools for assessment
- Provide patient education about CHS risks 6.Long-term treatment of CHS is abstinence from cannabis, but acute symptomatic management has been a struggle for many clinicians. The present report highlights the use of haloperidol as an agent that successfully and safely treats the unrelenting symptoms of CHS.
Research Status
- Mechanism remains unclear, though theories involve:
- THC binding to brain receptors in vomiting center
- Potential genetic mutations affecting cannabinoid metabolism
- Further research needed for formal diagnostic criteria
- More guidance needed on risk communication
Recent Developments
The US Surgeon General (2021) issued warnings about: - CHS risk in chronic cannabis users - Special caution needed with edibles due to delayed effects - Potential overconsumption risks
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u/PrizeConsistent 2d ago
Thank you!
I find the hot showers thing kind of ridiculous though. I thought most people took hot showers to help all kinds of stomach aces? I've done it for stomach bugs, migraine nausea, celiac, literally any stomach ache I get. A hot shower always helps :,).
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u/Normal-Emotion9152 2d ago
Let him try smoking or vaping cbd flowers in really small doses. Does he have a science background and is he good with math? If so he can find a dose after he reaches his tolerance break point that he can slowly enjoy at small doses. I had a similar problem and used my science skills to still have a small amount of THC while not hitting that wall. Everyone is different from what their body can take some informal qualitative analysis can help a lot. Good luck.
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u/scrimmerman 2d ago
When you speak of drinking, I’m assuming alcohol. So have you or your boyfriend ever tried any cannabis infused drinks if available in your area? I’m a flower guy myself and don’t really use these, but I have friends that enjoy the same ones sold at local cannabis stores and enjoy these immensely
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u/Illustrious-Golf9979 2d ago
I didn't diagnose anything, He already is diagnosed by a physician. I'm not sure how you can imply what you are while that's the case.
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u/Illustrious-Golf9979 2d ago
Clinical Guide: Treatment of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)
Key Clinical Features
- Regular cannabis use (especially daily)
- Cyclic nausea and vomiting
- Diffuse abdominal pain
- Relief with hot showers
- Symptom resolution upon cannabis cessation
- Higher prevalence in males (72.9%)
Disease Phases
1. Prodromal Phase
- Duration: Months to years
- Symptoms:
- Diffuse abdominal discomfort
- Morning nausea
- Anxiety/agitation
- Fear of vomiting
- Autonomic symptoms (flushing, sweating, increased thirst)
- Often increased cannabis use to self-treat
2. Hyperemetic Phase
- Duration: 24-48 hours
- Symptoms:
- Multiple vomiting episodes
- Severe diffuse abdominal pain
3. Recovery Phase
- Begins with cannabis cessation
- May require:
- Bowel regimen
- IV fluids
- Electrolyte replacement
- Resolution can take up to one month
Complications
Common Complications
- Electrolyte abnormalities (especially hypokalemia)
- Dehydration
- Acute kidney injury
- Muscle cramping/spasms
Life-Threatening Complications
- Pneumomediastinum from esophageal rupture
- Severe electrolyte derangements leading to:
- Seizures
- Arrhythmias
Treatment Approaches
First-Line Treatments
Cannabis Cessation
- Only definitive treatment
- Requires counseling and support
- May take weeks for full resolution
Topical Capsaicin
- Application areas: Arms, abdomen, back
- Concentration: 0.025-0.15%
- Frequency: Up to 3x daily
- Benefits:
- Low cost
- Minimal side effects
- Often effective in treatment-naive patients
Pharmaceutical Options
Benzodiazepines
- Examples: Lorazepam, Diazepam
- Mechanism: GABA receptor agonism
- Effects: Sedation, anxiolysis, muscle relaxation
Antipsychotics
- Primary option: Haloperidol
- Mechanism: D2 receptor antagonism
- Documented success in case reports
Tricyclic Antidepressants
- For long-term management
- Not typically started in ED
- Mechanism: Serotonin reuptake inhibition and antihistamine effects
Cautions
- Avoid opiates
- Monitor for QT prolongation with certain medications
- Watch for respiratory depression
- Consider drug interactions
Clinical Pearls
- Consider CHS in young patients with recurrent symptoms and negative workups
- Early recognition prevents unnecessary testing and treatment
- Hot showers/baths are a characteristic relief measure
- Traditional antiemetics often fail
- Frequency is increasing in areas with legal cannabis
- Complete cessation is the only definitive treatment
Differential Diagnosis Considerations
- First presentations require ruling out:
- Gallbladder disease
- Intestinal pathology
- Other toxicologic causes
- Surgical emergencies
- CHS is more likely with:
- Chronic cannabis use
- Previous negative workups
- Characteristic symptom pattern
- Relief with hot showers
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u/boolinmachine 2d ago
There’s nothing you can do unfortunately, once CHS has reached its final stage (which from the sounds of it he’s definitely in). There’s mostly no going back, his body has pretty much made itself allergic to weed. His best bet to ever smoke normally again would be to take a multiple year break and they try it again one day and see how it goes from there.
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u/Indigoez 2d ago
That's kinda what he's doing, he hasn't tried anything in months, even carts. Thank you for the comment💜
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u/Cohnman18 2d ago
Have your BF start slow with weak THC/CBD gummies, the Medical kind that I use, and slowly increase dosage to a mellow high WITHOUT stomach discomfort. May need a Pepcid AC with the gummies. Good Luck!
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u/Illustrious-Golf9979 2d ago
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2016/3614053
This is from an experience of a patient who used a medication to effectively treat her symptoms:
Key Context About the Patient's Cannabis Use:
Pattern of Use and Beliefs:
- She believed cannabis was helping her symptoms
- Reported that smoking marijuana was the only thing that gave her relief
- Was using cannabis 2-3 times daily and had been increasing use over two years
- Specifically stated she was unwilling to stop using cannabis
- Classic CHS Pattern:
- Her symptoms actually got progressively worse despite increased cannabis use
- She showed the typical morning predominance of symptoms
- Like many CHS patients, she didn't recognize cannabis as the cause of her problems
- Treatment Journey:
- Had tried multiple standard anti-nausea medications without success
- Had undergone extensive medical testing to rule out other causes
- Multiple drug screens had confirmed her ongoing cannabis use
- The situation was becoming more severe, with symptoms now occurring throughout the day
- Critical Decision Point:
- Despite medical advice, she refused to consider cannabis cessation
- This created a challenging treatment situation for her medical team
- The doctors had to consider alternative treatments that would work while she continued cannabis use
- This led to the novel approach of trying haloperidol in an outpatient setting
- Treatment Compromise:
- While cannabis cessation would have been the ideal treatment
- The medical team worked with her reality - she wasn't going to stop using
- They offered haloperidol as an alternative approach
- She agreed to try this medication while continuing cannabis use
- Treatment Compliance:
- She was willing to take the haloperidol daily as prescribed
- Took it for three weeks
- Self-discontinued after symptom improvement
- Unfortunately was lost to follow-up, so long-term outcomes are unknown
This case highlights a common challenge in treating CHS: patients often resist the idea that cannabis is causing their symptoms and are reluctant to stop using it. This makes it particularly important to have alternative treatment options available, even though complete cannabis cessation remains the most effective long-term solution.
The case is significant because it shows that even when patients aren't ready to stop cannabis use, there might be ways to help manage their symptoms. However, it's important to note this is just one case study, and any treatment decisions should be made in consultation with healthcare providers.
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u/Indigoez 2d ago
This research is honestly the best info I could have gotten, thank you for taking the time to look and compile what you could find. I think the best thing we can do is wait to try weed for a few years, in the meantime I know I can find other things :)
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u/Indigoez 2d ago
(for special occasions anyway)
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u/Illustrious-Golf9979 2d ago
I Hope I could help even in the slightest, My heart goes out to your boyfriend and you and I hope he can find some relief!
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u/Indigoez 2d ago
💜 me too, but I'm just happy I get to spend time with him, he tells me that's just as good as getting to smoke, but I wish I could wave a magic wand and cure him so he can do what he wants 😖 maybe time will cure it, if not and he can never smoke that's okay with me 🥺
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u/Illustrious-Golf9979 2d ago
Hey, you both got something special you can't buy with a special card or money so respect to both of you. Everything will work out like it's supposed to, just keep the faith!
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u/Small-feco 1d ago
Have him try microdosing shrooms.. If those go well do a regular dose some time to see if those are enjoyable
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u/Illustrious-Golf9979 2d ago edited 2d ago
So I over breakfast have been reading about his condition. It is a rare condition That is growing in line with cannabis movement, but unfortunately It is basically a genetic allergic reaction to Cannabinoids building up in fat deposits. This isn't a "oh, I smoke, and I feel nausea."
Symptoms can last for a week straight of hell.
From what i've read, unfortunately, based on biology, there is no real safe way for him to consume cannabis. We aren't even sure what chemical causes it and know very little about the mechanisms. It tends to show up 1 to 5 years after chronic use. The only real option they give is abstinence. You can use capsaicin to treat his symptoms. Hot showers.
It seems that the symptoms come from a buildup, so aside from lowering body fat and extreme low doses very sparingly, there is not much that can be done for him. I'm so sorry that that's the case. The idea of having this happen to me makes me want to cry.
I will keep reading up on it today, and if I find anything that can help, I promise you I'll send it your way.
I compiled a few peer reviewed articles and Prompted it to organize it to give you a better understanding of what you are dealing with. You should see it somewhere on this thread.