Milwaukee Health Department confirms cases of synthetic marijuana

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – The City of Milwaukee Health Department is warning the public that synthetic marijuana cases have been confirmed in Milwaukee. Since April 19 two confirmed cases and one probable case of the illness have been identified in Milwaukee residents. Two of the cases have required hospitalization.

Synthetic Cannabinoids can cause severe bleeding, unexplained bruising and possibly death. Other known names for Synthetic Marijuana include K2, spice, fake weed, Black Mamba, Green Giant, Bombay Blue, Genie, and Zohai. The packaging and name of the products may vary.

The products can be found in convenience stores, gas stations, drug paraphernalia shops, novelty stores, and online. K2 consists of a lot different mind-altering chemicals that are made and sprayed on dried plant material or sold as liquids to be inhaled in products like e-cigarettes or other vaping 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.

The use of synthetic cannabinoids has become a serious public health problem. This is due in part to the products being easy to access and some believing it is not harmful because it is “natural.”

Since April 19 there have been over 30 confirmed cases of synthetic marijuana in Chicago. Three deaths have been reported in Illinois.

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