Severe Bleeding Reported After Synthetic Marijuana Use In IL

Health officials first reported cases of the condition, which reduces the blood's ability to coagulate, last week.

By Shannon Antinori, 

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois health officials are warning residents amid reports that six people in northeast Illinois suffered severe bleeding after using synthetic cannabinoids, interfering with the blood's ability to coagulate. The Illinois Department of Public Health first reported four people being hospitalized for cases of severe bleeding on March 23. On Tuesday, health officials said six individuals, all in northeast Illinois, have now suffered severe bleeding episodes beginning on March 10.

Officials said all six reported using synthetic cannabinoids, which are often referred to as fake weed, K2 and spice.

"Despite the perception that synthetic cannabinoids are safe and a legal alternative to marijuana, many are illegal and can cause severe illness," said IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. "The recent cases of severe bleeding are evidence of the harm synthetic cannabinoids can cause."

Synthetic cannabinoids are not just one single drug, but hundreds of different chemicals manufactured and sold. They are called cannabinoids because they act on the same brain cell receptors as the main active ingredient in marijuana, according to IDPH, which issued a statement noting, "Synthetic cannabinoid products are unsafe. It is difficult to know what's in them or what your reaction to them will be. The health effects from using synthetic cannabinoids can be unpredictable and harmful—even life threatening."

Officials said they are working to identify a common produce used by the six individuals who suffered severe bleeding.

Anyone who has a serious reaction to synthetic cannabinoids should call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately, according to IDPH.