A press release from the McHenry County Department of Health:

Severe bleeding associated with synthetic cannabinoid use

WOODSTOCK IL – Synthetic cannabinoid (i.e., K2, spice, synthetic marijuana, and legal weed) use has been linked to an outbreak with potentially life threatening reactions.

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) would like to alert the community to this danger.  17 people, mostly in Northeastern Illinois, have been affected since March 7.

Victims report suffering from severe bleeding following the use of synthetic cannabinoid products.

Individuals report obtaining synthetic cannabinoid products in the Chicagoland area, although contaminated products could be in counties across the state.

Victims have acquired cannabinoid products from convenience stores, dealers, and friends. 

If you have 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, please 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.

Synthetic cannabinoids are human-made, mind-altering chemicals that are either sprayed on dried, shredded plant material so they can be smoked or sold as liquids to be vaporized and inhaled in e-cigarettes and other devices.

They are sold for recreational drug use with claims they will provide the user the effects of cannabis.

These products are also 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 also.

For more information, the complete report from IDPH is available online at http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis/synthetic-cannabinoids.