Since Illinois first reported this outbreak of synthetic marijuana-caused illness, hospitals have reported severe bleeding and kidney failure in four other states. Now that over 100 people have fallen ill, a special DEA task force is investigating synthetic marijuana in Illinois. This week, a 71-year-old woman charged with selling synthetic marijuana faces potential jail time.
Synthetic Marijuana in Illinois
On March 10, authorities reported the first instance of severe bleeding due to synthetic marijuana. In the following days, six more Illinois residents were hospitalized for profuse bleeding.
Also known as K2 or Spice, synthetic cannabis can produce a variety of dangerous symptoms, ranging from bleeding to liver and kidney failure to full-blown psychosis. Synthetic weed can contain anything: some batches even test positive for rat poison.
To date, the Illinois Department of Public Health has reported that hospitals have admitted 130 people for synthetic weed-related illnesses, and three people have died. The health department warns, “The health effects from using synthetic cannabinoids can be unpredictable and harmful—even life-threatening.”
Authorities Search For Those Distributing Synthetic Weed
Authorities in Illinois are attempting to prevent future synthetic weed-related illnesses by uncovering this dangerous batch’s source.
Last month, the Illinois police department began investigating convenience stores reportedly selling synthetic weed.
They even shut down one store in Lawndale that, allegedly, sold Spice.
This 71-year-old woman charged with selling synthetic marijuana is not the only person authorities are prosecuting. Three men who worked at King Mini Mart in Chicago are also facing charges for selling synthetic weed.
Federal Prosecutors Charge Letha Dean
The 71-year-old woman charged with selling synthetic marijuana is named Letha Dean. She lives in Salisbury, in central Illinois. Ms. Dean faces charges for possession of