Synthetic Marijuana Linked to Cases of Severe Bleeding in Illinois and Indiana

Indiana State Department of Health Logo
Indiana Health Alert Network Advisory—March 28, 2018

Illinois public health officials have identified 89 cases of vitamin K dependent coagulopathies (bleeding) associated with synthetic marijuana use. Nine patients have tested positive for brodifacoum; two patients have died. Brodifacoum is an anticoagulant ingredient commonly found in rat poison. Since March 27, Indiana public health officials have identified five cases with direct or indirect connection to Illinois, with another two under investigation. One of those cases has also tested positive for brodifacoum. Four different synthetic marijuana products from one Indiana case have tested positive for brodifacoum, along with products in Illinois. Isolated cases have been identified in other states. 

Click here to read the full advisory (PDF file).

Click here to download a Provider Intake Coagulopathy Questionnaire (PDF file).