Cannabis Use Linked to Gastrointestinal Health Risks

Adults using cannabis for GI symptoms may face increased risks due to the high THC concentrations in modern products.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Substance Abuse

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a cannabis leaf and a stylized nerve cell receptor, representing gastrointestinal health research. — Researchers at the American College of Gastroenterology warned that chronic high-concentration cannabis use is increasingly linked to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Experts at the ACG Annual Scientific Meeting in Nashville recently examined the impact of rising cannabis use on gastrointestinal health. As patients increasingly turn to cannabis for symptom relief, researchers are highlighting the risks of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and other side effects.

Why it matters

Understanding the physiological impact of cannabis is critical as more patients use it to manage gastrointestinal pain and nausea. The recent establishment of a formal diagnostic code helps providers better track and identify these related health complications.

A new ICD-10 code for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome was established in October 2025 to track cases linked to long-term usage. Clinical data shows modern dispensary products now contain 25% THC, compared to 4% in historical cannabis samples.

The players

American College of Gastroenterology

A professional medical society for digestive disease specialists that hosts scientific meetings to disseminate gastrointestinal research.

The details

Cannabis interacts with the body through type 1 and type 2 cannabinoid receptors, which are found in neural circuits that regulate nausea and vomiting. While it can decrease gastric tone and colonic motility, chronic daily use leads to the downregulation of type 1 receptors. This shift in receptor activity is central to the development of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition that can persist until receptor recovery, which takes approximately 4 weeks of abstinence.

October 2025: ICD-10 code for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome established.
October 2026: ACG Annual Scientific Meeting debate occurred.

Health Landscape

The formalization of diagnostic codes within the ICD-10 system reflects a shift in how medical institutions categorize the health consequences of substance use. It highlights the move toward standardized tracking as the potency and prevalence of consumer cannabis products continue to climb.

If you are using cannabis for gastrointestinal symptoms, it is worth discussing potential side effects like nausea or anxiety with your doctor. Tracking any patterns in your symptoms and your usage of specific cannabis products can help your physician provide more accurate care.

The takeaway

Chronic cannabis use is linked to several health risks, including psychosis, sleep disorders, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Consider keeping a log of your usage and any symptoms to review with your physician during your next checkup.