Two recent deaths in Wisconsin may be linked to the use of tainted fake weed, according to Wisconsin’s Department of Justice.
The two victims bled to death in Milwaukee County. While the deaths are not confirmed to be caused by the synthetic products, the state says the severe bleeding and evidence at the scene make them suspect fake weed that’s been laced with rat poison.
State Attorney General Brad Schimel is asking retailers to stop selling synthetic cannabinoid products.
“I’m making an appeal to any retailers who are selling these dangerous synthetic cannabinoids and demanding you pull them off your shelves immediately,” said Attorney General Schimel. “While it is too early to attribute the two most recent deaths to synthetic cannabinoids, evidence at the scene and symptoms exhibited by the victims point to synthetic cannabinoids likely being involved. If, after our investigation concludes, we determine the source of the substances involved are synthetic cannabinoids, we will work to prosecute anyone involved in delivering these deadly drugs.”
More than one dozen Wisconsin residents have been hospitalized for severe bleeding, a symptom of the use of fake weed that contains a toxic chemical found in rat poison.
The state said there were confirmed cases in Outagamie County.
Illinois has confirmed at least four deaths linked to the tainted fake weed.
State and local officials urge residents stop using fake weed and destroy the products.
If you or someone you know suffers sudden severe bruising or bleeding, call 911 or go to an emergency room.
For more information, call the Wisconsin Poinson Center at 1-800-222-1222 or visit https://www.wisconsinpoison.org/Poison-Home
Those caught selling fake weed in Wisconsin face possible prison time if convicted.
The DOJ says these are some names for fake weed products:
• Black Mamba
• Bling Blang Monkey
• Bombay Blue
• Climax
• Cloud 9
• Fake Weed
• Genie
• Joker
• K2
• Kisha Cole
• Legal Weed
• Matrix
• OMG
• Phantom
• Red, Blue, or Yellow Giant
• Releaf
• Scooby Snax
• Spice
• Wet Lucy
• White Tiger
• Zohai
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