Synthetic cannabinoids linked to 3rd death in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois public health officials say a third person has died who experienced severe bleeding after using synthetic marijuana.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the death Monday, saying there are now 107 cases of people who have had severe bleeding due to the substance. The number was 56 cases a week ago. The department says two deaths were men in their 20s and a third death was a man in his 40s.

Those who have become sick have reported coughing up blood, blood in urine, severe bloody noses, bleeding gums and internal bleeding. Many of the cases tested positive for a lethal anticoagulant often used in rat poison. State public health officials are urging residents not to use synthetic marijuana, which is often referred to as Spice, K2 or fake weed.

Related: Synthetic cannabinoids are not “synthetic marijuana”: What you need to know about Spice and K2