Above / DuPage County Health Department warns that synthetic cannabinoid products such as K2, Spice, Black Mamba and many other packaged brand names, must be taken out of circulation.
DUPAGE COUNTY—The DuPage County Health Department is providing this health alert to the community: use of a synthetic cannabinoid has been linked to an outbreak with potentially life-threatening reactions in Northeastern Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports 22 individuals since March 7 suffering from severe bleeding following the use of synthetic cannabinoid products. (See the complete report: IDPH.)
Although individuals report obtaining synthetic cannabinoid products in the Chicagoland area, contaminated products could be in counties across the state. Affected persons have reported obtaining cannabinoid products from convenience stores, dealers, and friends.
Use of cannabinoids accompanied by bleeding or bruising is reason to have someone take you immediately to hospital or call 911
If you purchased any of this product in the past month, do not use it. If you have used any of these products, and start experiencing unexplained bleeding or bruising, have someone take you to the hospital immediately or call 911. Do not walk or drive yourself.
Patients should share with medical personnel what and when they used so that they can be treated quickly and effectively. Anyone with concerns about unusual bleeding should contact their health care provider and let them know if they have used synthetic cannabinoids.
What are synthetic cannabinoids?
Synthetic cannabinoids are human-made, mind-altering chemicals that are either sprayed on dried, shredded plant material so they can be smoked, and sold as liquids to be vaporized and inhaled in e-cigarettes and other devices. They are sold for recreational drug use claiming to provide the user the effects of cannabis. These products may be known as herbal or liquid incense and have brand names such as K2, Spice, Black Mamba, Bombay Blue, Genie, and Zohai, but may be packaged under other brand names.
Report submitted by Don Bolger, Public Information Officer, DuPage County Health Department.
