The Illinois Department of Public Health issued a public warning not to use any synthetic drugs as a second death linked to the Cannabinoids came in last week.

So far there have been 56 cases of severe bleeding found in synthetic Cannabinoid users.  All cases have required hospitalization for symptoms such as coughing up blood, blood in the urine, severe bloody nose and bleeding gums.

Some people think the “fake weed” is a safe alternative, but that’s not the case says public health spokesperson Melaney Arnold.

Arnold says nine of the cases have tested positive for an anticoagulant often used in rat poison.

Synthetic cannabinoids are sprayed on to dried plant material and then either smoked or vaped. Arnold stresses no brand of these drugs are safe.

You can find more information on the public health website at dph.illinois.gov.