Fake pot users suffer brain bleeding, bloody urine, Illinois health officials warn

Ashley May | USA TODAY

The Illinois Department of Public Health is warning people about disturbing symptoms of using fake pot or marijuana after reports of severe bleeding.

At least 32 people who reported using synthetic cannabinoids since March 7 suffered severe bleeding, IDPH said in a statement this week.

Fake pot is not made up of one drug, but rather hundreds of unknown, unregulated chemicals IDPH spokesperson Melaney Arnold told USA TODAY.

The drug has caused blood in urine, bloody noses, bleeding gums, higher menstrual flows and bleeding into the brain, Arnold said. Another possible symptom is bleeding from the eyes and ears.

While there have been no reported cases of death, Arnold said symptoms can be life threatening.

"At this time, IDPH is not reporting any deaths, but that may change," she said.

IDPH warns contaminated products could be sold across the state in convenience stores and from dealers.

Cases were reported in eight Illinois counties. Tazewell County near Peoria reported 10 cases, the most of any county. Chicago County had eight, Peoria County had six and Cook County had four.

"Synthetic cannabinoids are unsafe," Arnold said. "People who have used these products and develop any bleeding issues or have concern about any health effects should seek immediate medical attention."

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