Illegal synthetic cannabinoid products pose a significant threat to public health.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has become aware of reports of severe illnesses and deaths resulting from the use of synthetic cannabinoid (marijuana) products that have been contaminated with brodifacoum, a very long-acting anticoagulant commonly used in rat poison.
These unapproved products are being sold in convenience stores and gas stations as substitutes for marijuana under names such as “K2” and “Spice,” FDA reported. Use of these illegal products pose significant public health concerns for both individuals who may use the contaminated products and the U.S. blood supply, as there is the potential for contamination of blood products donated by those individuals who have used these substances.
There are a number of synthetic marijuana products being illegally marketed and used for their psychoactive effects. The FDA has previously worked with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to place several synthetic cannabinoids into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act to avoid an imminent hazard to public safety. Generally, these products have been known to be associated with adverse effects including rapid heart rate, vomiting, violent behavior and suicidal thoughts, and an increase in blood pressure, as well as causing reduced blood supply to the heart, kidney damage and seizures.
But despite FDA efforts, certain entities continue to bypass state and federal drug laws by making and distributing these products – often marked or labeled as “not for human consumption” – and changing the structure of the synthetic chemicals to try to skirt legal requirements. And in some cases, some of the producers of these synthetic cannabinoids have added brodifacoum, which we have heard is because it is thought to extend the duration of the drug euphoria or “high.”
But the presence of brodifacoum in these illegal and unregulated products poses severe health risks because it can cause severe bleeding. In recent months, hundreds of individuals in about 10 states – many in the Midwest – have been hospitalized after experiencing such complications. Unfortunately, there also have been several related deaths. FDA’s colleagues at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been working with state health departments on this matter. The presence of brodifacoum in these illegal compounds poses a significant public health hazard.
Today, FDA, and CDC are joining together to send a strong warning to anyone who may use synthetic marijuana products that these products can be especially dangerous as a result of the seemingly deliberate use of brodifacoum in these illegal products.
Individuals who have possibly used synthetic marijuana products should be vigilant for signs of bleeding. These include easy bruising, oozing gums, and nose bleeds. People experiencing these symptoms after using synthetic marijuana products should immediately seek medical attention, as the effects of brodifacoum are treatable.
People with certain pre-existing conditions or those already taking certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs may be at a higher risk for such bleeding and should seek prompt medical treatment.
