Propaganda Tactics 2021: The Media Goes Mad for Scromiting

Happy Wednesday, everyone, the anti-cannabis propagandists are out in force again, this time over a real condition that's being squeezed for every ounce of fear. And they're using old-school tactics. Same shit, different day.

The story I’m covering is getting lots of play in the media because it combines cannabis with something unpleasant: Hyperemesis Syndrome. From a UK news source, The Independent:

“Bizarre Illness Dubbed ‘Scromiting’ Linked to

the Rise of More Potent Cannabis in US”

THE SCOOP

Dear Readers of the American Cannabis Report know that “Reefer Madness Propaganda” is my favorite cudgel against the enemies of God’s Favorite Plant. I love to uncover their devious schemes and beat them with it.

Let's start with the facts: Hyperemesis is a real thing. The term means “Extreme Voiding” or Vomiting. It typically happens when a younger person gets so high the world starts to wobble and they start vomiting. And the vomiting gets so intense they start screaming… and vomiting… at the same time. Hence the cute little moniker from the UK: “Scromiting”.

"Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is an enigmatic constellation of signs and symptoms comprising nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and unusual hot athing behavior in the context of heavy and chronic exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary intoxicating agent of Cannabis sativa. It was first reported in Australia in nine patients in 2004, but the index case dated to 1996."

source: "Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Survey and Genomic Investigation"

It's important to note that hyperemesis:

• Usually appears in young males who use cannabis heavily on a regular basis

• VERY rare when cases are compared to the total number of cannabis users.

Here in the US, the most common story is that Colorado has the most reports of it. Seems odd... perhaps something to do with unique ability of their 18-year-olds to acquire beaucoup high-THC products.

An alternative theory: Our enemies in politics and the media are inflating the scare-effect on the Colorado battlefield because they’re trying to limit THC levels in the state. And using scromiting teenagers to scare us into agreeing.

Classic Reefer Madness! Right out of the movie script, right out of Harry Anslinger's practices starting in the 1930's

Here’s their battle plan:

• Step 1: Emphasize the term “Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome” – which seems quite gratuitous because anyone who has been a freshman in college knows you don’t need cannabis to barf your guts out.

• Step 2: Twist the disparate details of the syndrome together into a much bigger problem than it really is.

NOTE: Here's one reason I think the media is blowing this out of proportion: High Times tells us that stopping the symptoms is as easy as a hot shower or bath. The cure it completely: you stop consuming cannabis.

• Any drug that can be cured by a hot shower doesn’t belong on Schedule 1

• It's certainly not as dangerous as acute alcohol poisoning which kills fraternity kids every year, while the providers of that toxic-but-legal substance (alcohol) sponsor the Homecoming game, and

• If a person consumed enough alcohol to vomit uncontrollably, death is a very real possibility. Not so with cannabis..

THE DEEP DIVE

I’m 100% civilian on health issues and no degree or authority in this area. But I have a theory* that might knock Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome off the front pages.

Since the enemy is in formation, let’s use the pincer maneuver like Hannibal at Cannae: two columns approach, and then pinch the enemy in the middle.

On the left column, we have what we’ve already talked about: Hyperemesis Syndrome. Again, very real and very unpleasant, off you go…

On the right we have a lad I know, a Division 1 football kicker who’s 6'1", 210 lbs. and can knock a ball 75 yards on the fly. He's a big, strong healthy kid.

He’s also allergic to nuts. If they ever get into his food, even by accident, he will barf for 2 days straight. Two full days, every time.

When I was a kid, I got hay fever every summer. Worse than anyone I ever heard of, and all because of pollen from grass.

THE LOOP BACK

Here's the pincer maneuver: Is it possible that Hyperemesis Syndrome is simply an indication of a violent allergy to cannabis, which is after all, a type of grass?

* There are others who have included ALLERGY in their analysis of hyperemesis:

• This is What Happens When You’re Allergic to Marijuana (2020)

• What It’s Like to Be a Stoner Who’s Allergic to Marijuana (2016)

• What It's Like to Be Allergic to Weed (2020)

I'd be happy to hear any opinions or feedback on this idea.

PHOTO SOURCE: Markus Winkler on Pexels