Use of synthetic marijuana linked to severe bleeding, at least one case reported in Missouri

Nearly 100 people in five different states have been treated for severe bleeding after using synthetic marijuana, also known as K2, fake weed or spice.

A public health investigation found that synthetic cannabinoids were likely contaminated with brodifacoum, which is used in commercial products to kill rodents.

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 94 people in five states who used synthetic cannabinoids have been treated since March 10 for bleeding due to coagulopathy, a blood clotting disorder.

Laboratory testing found that at least 18 people had been exposed to brodifacoum.

The reported cases include: 89 in Illinois, two in Indiana, one in Maryland, one in Missouri and one in Wisconsin. There were also two fatalities in Illinois.

The Missouri Department of Health and Human Services is asking healthcare providers to be on the lookout for any signs that a patient have been using synthetic cannabinoids.