Illinois Officials Issue Warning About Using Synthetic Marijuana

City officials in Peoria, in partnership with Unity Point Health and Peoria County Health Department, issue a warning about the use of synthetic marijuana potentially causing life-threatening internal bleeding. The warning comes after several residents presented with severe bleeding after using the synthetic cannabinoid products.

To make Spice or K2, the common names for synthetic marijuana, plant material is sprayed with the synthetic cannabinoids that are supposed to mimic the effects of marijuana, Peoria Journal Star reports. The synthetic form of cannabinoids are typically stronger and more intense than natural marijuana. The amount of Spice and K2 within the community is unknown.

Dr. Gary Knepp said, “This report was followed by an Illinois Poison Control Center report that they had been consulted on 17 suspected cases in Chicago, Joliet and Peoria.”

If anyone using K2 or Spice experiences these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• New headaches
• Bleeding of the gums
• Visible bleeding anywhere on the body (other than from a cut or injury)
• Significant confusion
• Pain in the abdomen or pelvis
• Testicular pain
• Muscle pain
• New bruising

The exact chemicals present in the Spice and K2 products circulating in Illinois are pending laboratory identification.