GOSHEN — So far, Elkhart County has no reports of users of so-called “fake weed” seeking treatment for severe bleeding.
The Indiana and Michigan state health departments are on alert as such cases — some instances involving synthetic cannabinoids laced with rat poison — are now being reported as a significant problem in neighboring Illinois over the past month.
Two people have died amid what the Illinois health department described as an outbreak of 89 cases of severe bleeding by those who used the drugs between March 7 and Thursday. Most of the cases were located in the Chicago and Peoria areas, resulting in dozens of hospitalizations, according to information on the agency’s website.
Several synthetic cannabinoid users who were treated for severe bleeding tested positive for a chemical called brodifacoum, a pesticide used in rat poison, Megan Wade-Taxter, spokeswoman for the Indiana health department, said in an email.
“Although synthetic cannabinoids in general are dangerous, the severe bleeding seen in these cases is consistent with someone who has been exposed to rat poison,” Wade-Taxter said.
Indiana has had two cases of severe bleeding related to synthetic cannabinoids, she said, but could not release where they were located.
While no such cases have been reported in Elkhart County, Dr. Lydia Mertz, the county’s health officer, cautioned users of symptoms involved.
The drugs are sold under multiple product names, including K2, Spice, OMG, Scooby Snacks and AK-47. They provide highs similar to the effects of marijuana.
“While they are often marketed as safe and legal alternatives to marijuana, the health effects from synthetic cannabinoids can be unpredictable and harmful,” the Indiana health department said in its March 28 news release. “Many of these products are packaged in ways that appeal to youth.”
The chemicals are sprayed onto dried plants so they can be smoked or sold as liquids that can be vaporized in e-cigarettes and other devices, the Illinois health department described.
credit:goshennews.com
