Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) in the real-world setting.
METHODS: Electronic health records (2017-2024) in the OMNY Health real-world data platform were accessed and patients with an International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision diagnosis code of F12.xx were selected for analysis. The earliest date of the CHS diagnosis was considered the index date. Demographic characteristics were described on the index date, and clinical characteristics were assessed during the pre-index period.
RESULTS: A total of 301,138 patients with CHS were included. The population was mostly male (56.2%), not Hispanic or Latino (88.3%), and from the Midwest (59.0%), with an average age of 35.4 years. The observed racial distribution was 59.8% White, 27.5% Black, and 12.7% Other. More than a quarter (28.8%) of the patient population had Medicaid coverage. From 2020 - 2023 an increasing trend in CHS diagnosis was observed. Mental health diagnoses were among the most common diagnoses experienced by individuals with CHS, which included anxiety (21.7%), depression (10.5%), and suicidal ideation (7.6%). Other prevalent pre-index conditions included hypertension (17.7%), nicotine dependence (16.6%), nausea with vomiting (14.7%), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (10.5%). Social determinants of health and related domains were reported among approximately 26% of the study population with less than 5% of respondents reporting at least one deficiency in determinants.
CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidities, such as nausea, related to CHS were reported prior to diagnosis. The high mental health burden during the pre-period aligns with the known utilization of cannabis for mood enhancement. The insights into the demographic and clinical characteristics provide an initial description of individuals with CHS and offer important insights into the individuals experiencing similar symptomology.