Health Dept. Warns of Poisoned Synthetic Marijuana

The New York State Department of Health has issued a statewide health advisory warning of an outbreak of severe bleeding due to the consumption of synthetic marijuana believed to be contaminated with rat poison. To date, no cases have been reported in New York State. Health care providers are urged to watch for severe bleeding unrelated to an injury, or bleeding without another explanation. Synthetic marijuana is marketed with street names such as K2, Spice and AK-47. The packets typically consist of plant material coated by chemicals, which are supposed to mimic the effects of naturally grown marijuana.