DC2723: The Dose Makes the Poison: CHS Goes Mainstream

Friday, September 18, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM PT, Hybrid, Seattle, WA

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (5.50 hours), IPCE (5.50 hours), Non-Physician (5.50 hours)

In a recent survey of Washington State healthcare providers about cannabis negative effects, 70% of respondents reported seeing cases of severe abdominal pain, nausea, retching, and relentless vomiting among people reporting heavy cannabis use. This cluster of symptoms is now recognized as CHS. As CHS becomes more visible in clinical settings, providers are left navigating care without clear understanding or guidance. At the same time, while 1 in 10 Washingtonians who consumed cannabis in the last year report vomiting and nausea due to their cannabis use, many people remain skeptical that the condition exists at all, creating challenges for treatment, prevention and health education. To better understand these dynamics, we are making CHS the focus of this year’s ADAI Symposium. CME accreditation for providers pending; a certificate of attendance will be available for all attendees (in-person or virtual) Join us on September 18, 2026, to learn more about: • CHS prevalence among adolescents and adults in U.S. emergency departments • CHS in Washington State • CHS as a contested disease and implications for health communication • CHS presentation, treatment, and management across settings • Policy recommendations to prevent CHS increase • Improving care for individuals with CHS

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1. Describe the paradoxical effect of cannabinoids on nausea and vomiting.
2. Identify at least two proposed mechanisms of why CHS develops in only a subset of people who use cannabis.
3. Identify at least 3 subpopulations at increased risk for developing CHS
4. Describe at least 3 symptoms of CHS prodromal stage
5. Describe at least 3 symptoms of CHS hyperemetic stage
6. Identify 2 recommended management approaches for CHS prodromal stage
7. Identify at least two other diagnosis that need to be ruled out to determine whether a patient may be suffering from CHS
8. Describe working criterion used in emergency care and hospitals to diagnose CHS
9. Identify pharmacological options for treating CHS hyperemetic phase
10. Identify at least one pharmacological approach that is not recommended for treatment of CHS hyperemetic phase

CHS manifests in people who use cannabis heavily. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and relentless vomiting. With legalization, CHS has become common in acute care settings. This symposium will increase clinicians’ understanding, recognition, and management of this condition.

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In support of improving patient care, the University of Washington School of Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

The University of Washington School of Medicine designates this Live Activity for a maximum of 5.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 5.50 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

University of Washington School of Medicine adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of an accredited activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers or others in control of content are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the start of the activity. All those in control of content have no financial relationships to disclose, unless otherwise listed.

Friday, September 18, 2026