Fake Weed in Illinois is Causing Death and Severe Bleeding

Alarming side effects, including death from synthetic cannabis has the Illinois Department of Public Health issuing these warnings.

There have been so many cases last month in Illinois, that the IDPH is calling this an 'outbreak.'

According to the Ilinois Department of Public Health website, 38 people who used synthetic cannabinoids, which is plant material sprayed with man-made chemicals to mimic a similar high as the natural cannabis plant, through smoking or oil for vaping, have experienced severe bleeding from their ears and eyes. One death has also been reported.

On March 30th, IDPH issued this on their Facebook page.

This left me wondering how many were from the Quad Cities area. So far, there haven't been any reported from our area, however, the numbers are being updated daily at 1:30 CST on their website.

It looks like most of the reports are coming from Chicago, with the next highest area being effected is neighboring Peoria.

While the Quad Cities has yet to be named, this outbreak is still under investigation.

This brings up a lot things for me, including my stance on natural health and remedies. Just because we can do something, doesn't always mean we should.

When it comes to plant medicine, whether used recreationally or medicinally, leaving it in it's natural state is the safest, in my opinion. Take it or leave it, but people are dying from this unregulated use of chemicals, while those using it in it's natural form, are not.

via GIPHY

Lastly, the IDPH has this to say if you have purchased or used these products.

"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 severe, unexplained bleeding or bruising, please have someone take you to the hospital immediately or call 911. Do not walk or drive yourself. Tell your healthcare providers about the possible link between your symptoms and synthetic cannabinoid use."