Last week, several people suffered severe bleeding after consuming synthetic cannabis. In an update on the same story, Illinois health officials find rat poison in synthetic cannabis. To date, 38 people have been hospitalized, and one person has died from this batch of synthetic weed. Three cases have tested positive for rat poison.
What Happened Last Week
Last week, we reported that six people in Illinois were hospitalized for synthetic weed, otherwise known as K2 or Spice. As of Saturday, this number has climbed to 38, all of whom have been hospitalized.
To date, one person has died from bleeding as a result of ingesting synthetic weed. Officials have not released their identity to the press.
All these cases occurred in Northern Illinois. Most instances occurred in Chicago, Cook, Peoria and Tazewell Counties. Authorities have reported that the first case dates from March 7.
Synthetic Weed Is A Serious Health Threat
Excessive bleeding is the main symptom. In an official statement, the Illinois Department of Public Health explains, “All cases have required hospitalization for symptoms such as coughing up blood, blood in the urine, severe bloody nose, and/or bleeding gums.”
Marijuana, as we known it, contains cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, that interact with the human endocannabinoid system. This is why cannabis can improve your mood or relieve pain.
By contrast, synthetic weed contains chemicals that bind to cannabinoid receptors. These interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, with potentially life-threatening results. Synthetic weed can cause seizures, heart attacks, kidney failure and bleeding, as seen in Illinois.
Per Illinois Director of Illinois Department of Public Health Dr. Nirav D. Shah, “Despite the perception that synthetic cannabinoids are safe and