Fake Weed Tied To Bleeding In Maryland: Health Officials

BALTIMORE, MD — Maryland health officials are warning people about the dangers of synthetic marijuana after a user was hospitalized this week due to bleeding. Authorities say the case is similar to those in the Chicago area, where there have been two deaths and dozens of hospitalizations in recent weeks linked to the drugs.

Synthetic cannabinoids are also known as "spice," K2 or fake weed. They consist of mind-altering chemicals like those found in marijuana plants but are manmade. The chemicals are sprayed onto dried plant material for smoking or vaporization, then sold in convenience stores, gas stations, novelty stores and online.

After using "spice," one person in central Maryland was hospitalized on Tuesday, April 3, due to bleeding and coagulation issues, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

The potentially fatal condition caused by "spice" is known as synthetic cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy, health officials say. That means the drug may interfere with the ability of blood to coagulate.

The person's symptoms in Maryland were consistent with those causing concern in other parts of the nation, according to Maryland health officials.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has seen 56 cases of synthetic cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy in recent weeks. Nine have tested positive for a chemical used in rat poison and two people have died, state officials there reported on Monday. Users have coughed up blood, found blood in their urine, had a bloody nose, blood coming from their ears or experienced bleeding gums before seeking treatment.

SEE ALSO: Fake Weed Now Tied To 2 Deaths, Several Arrests In Illinois

Signs reported in Maryland and Illinois include the following, according to health officials:

• Bruising
• Nosebleeds
• Bleeding of the gums
• Bleeding disproportionate with the level of injury
• Vomiting blood
• Blood in urine or stool
• Excessively heavy menstrual bleeding and back pain

As a result of the case reported this week, the Maryland Poison Center and the Maryland Department of Health are alerting the public, first responders and clinicians to be aware of the dangers of fake weed.

“We’re warning people to not use synthetic cannabinoids,” Executive Director of the Maryland Poison Control Center Bruce Anderson said in a statement. “While never safe, the recent increased risk of adverse effects such as synthetic cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy makes it critical for people to abstain.”

Anyone who has used synthetic cannabinoids and experiences unexplained severe bleeding is advised to go to the hospital immediately and contact the Maryland Poison Center at 800-222-1222.

Pictured, a man prepares to smoke K2 or "Spice." (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)