Two deaths, 54 other cases of severe bleeding tied to fake weed in Illinois

(CNN, April 2) The use of synthetic cannabinoids (sometimes referred to as fake weed) is believed to be behind more than 50 cases of severe bleeding and two deaths in Illinois.

Users were hospitalized for the following: coughing up blood, having blood in the urine, bloody nose, bleeding gums and more. Rat poison was found in nine of the cases, according to a statement from local health officials.

“This is the first time we’ve seen an outbreak of this magnitude in the area,” a spokeswoman from the state’s department of health said. Read more. 

Keep updated on the epidemic on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website.