K2 Linked To Wisconsin Bleeding Cases, Rat Poison: Report

WISCONSIN — Health officials in Wisconsin are warning people about the dangers of synthetic cannabinoids, often called “fake weed”, “K2”, and “spice,” as people continue to be hospitalized with severe bleeding after using these products which have been found to contain rat poison.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Wisconsin is reporting that it has seen a total of 15 cases since March, with seven confirmed and eight probable. Counties with confirmed cases include Dane, Milwaukee, and Outagamie Counties. Illinois has reported 4 deaths from bleeding related to synthetic cannabinoids as of June 20, 2018.

“These dangerous products are still in the community and we urge people not to use K2, spice, or any synthetic cannabinoid,” said State Health Officer Karen McKeown in a prepared statment.

According to health officials, synthetic cannabinoids are not simply one drug, as is the case with naturally-harvested marijuana. Hundreds of different synthetic cannabinoid chemicals are manufactured and sprayed on dried plant material or sold as liquids to be inhaled in tobacco products like e-cigarettes or other vaping devices. New versions with unknown health risks are available each year.

And it's not just in Wisconsin. Patch has reported on K2 related injuries and deaths across the U.S:

Maryland: Synthetic marijuana has been linked to additional cases of excessive bleeding in Maryland, health officials say.

New York: Video: K2 User Falls Onto Brooklyn Tracks, Police Say

Brooklyn: K2 Overdoses Spur Big Boy Deli Workers' Arrest, Cops Say

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

These products are found across the U.S. in convenience stores, gas stations, drug paraphernalia shops, novelty stores, and online.

Call 911 or go to the emergency department right away if you or someone you know has a serious reaction to synthetic cannabinoids. If you have used these products and are not bleeding, you should still see a health care provider as you could still bleed.

Photo credit: AP Photo/Kelley McCall, File