Fake Weed Deaths Prompt Broader K2 Ban Proposal

SPRINGFIELD, IL — With at least four confirmed deaths from severe bleeding linked to synthetic marijuana — which has been found to be laced with a deadly anticoagulant found in rat poison — the Illinois Senate approved legislation aimed at preventing manufacturers from skirting an existing ban on K2, also known as "Spice."

The Senate last week approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) that broadens the classifications of synthetic marijuana to prevent brands from avoiding the ban through small tweaks to the substances' formula.

4th Death Linked To Fake Weed, Rat Poison In Illinois

“Many synthetic cannabinoids are already illegal, but by broadening the criteria, we ensure that they can’t be made legal by small and potentially deadly changes to their chemical formulae," Collins said in a news release. “We can’t afford to be stuck in a cycle of reacting to these irresponsible and deadly chemistry experiments. We must act now to stop future deaths."

Collins told the State Journal-Register that the new legislation closes the loophole that allows the potentially deadly drugs to be sold. “Right now you can go into many of these corner stores on the South and West Side and see these drugs on display. It’s very popular, it’s cheap and easy access, but it’s deadly," she said.

Senate Bill 2341 would add all synthetic cannabinoids to the Controlled Substances Act and make synthetics subject to emergency controlled substance scheduling. Manufacturers would be subject to a Class 3 felony charge, while those charged with simple possession would face a Class 4 felony.

Reports of severe internal bleeding began in Illinois in March, with at least four people — two in Cook County and two in central Illinois — dying by the end of April as a result of rat poison-laced synthetic marijuana.

At least one person has died from the drug in Connecticut, and several cases of severe bleeding have been reported in Maryland — but about 99 percent of the severe bleeding incidents have happened in Illinois, according to the CDC.

Senators voted 55-0 in favor of the measure, sending it on to the House for consideration.

In this photo illustration, packets of K2 or "spice," a synthetic marijuana drug, are seen in New York City. (Photo Illustration by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)