Maryland health officials continue to warn residents about the dangers of using synthetic cannabinoid, as a spike in severe health problems related to its usage have recently spiked in the Washington D.C. area.
Known as synthetic marijuana, K2, spice, fake weed, and other names, synthetic cannabinoid are man-made chemicals that are sprayed on plants to create mind altering affects. The substance can be smoked in leaf form or converted into liquids and vaporized in e-cigarettes or similar devices. The chemicals are similar to what is found in cannabis, but have serious side affects that differ.
Cases of life-threatening internal bleeding caused by synthetic cannabinoid have been reported, with 33 such cases happening in Maryland, including one death.
Chemicals like brodifacoum, which is used in some rat poisons, is one of the compounds that can cause bleeding and death, as well as gastrointestinal problems, breathing problems, heart attack, fast heart rate, high blood pressure, stroke, kidney failure, and muscle damage.
