Fake Weed Use In Indiana Leaves 2 Hospitalized For Heavy Bleeding

INDIANA — The CDC is reporting an outbreak alert after dozens of people across several states including Indiana have been sent to the emergency room for severe internal bleeding caused by ingredients in synthetic cannabinoids. The CDC says from March 10, 2018 through April 5, 94 people have been taken to the ER after using synthetic marijuana laced with rat poisoning, and three people from Illinois are now dead.

Officials warn health professionals of the new form of synthetic marijuana as the serious unexplained bleeding has spread across Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri and Wisconsin.

The CDC says rat poison contains a lethal anticoagulant to kill rodents. They say they're coordinating assistance with the health departments of all the states involved in this outbreak.

Just a few hours away in Chicago, three employees of a convenience store have been charged in connection with selling synthetic marijuana — known as K2 or spice — that contained a chemical used in rat poison as well as a substance banned last year by the FDA.

Health officials say patients have reported coughing up blood, blood in the urine, severe bloody nose, bleeding gums, and/or internal bleeding. Officials from the Illinois Department of Health said bleeding from the eyes and ears can also occur.

Synthetic cannabinoids are found across Indiana, Illinois and the U.S. in places like convenience stores, gas stations, drug paraphernalia shops, novelty stores and online, health department officials say.

Anyone who has a reaction to synthetic cannabinoids, such as severe bleeding, should call 911 or have someone take them to the emergency department immediately.

More: CDC