Union City, Tenn.–The Union City Police Department has received reports of individuals who have been smoking K2/ Spice, which is illegal synthetic marijuana. Some have developed serious medical complications. These complications could lead to permanent physical harm or even death.
The Police Department encourages anyone engaging in the use of these products to cease immediately. In addition, anyone with information is also encouraged to contact your local law-enforcement agency, the 27th Judicial Drug Task Force, or call Crime Stoppers at 731-885-8477.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning statement on July 19, 2018 about numerous health emergencies, mostly in midwestern states, caused by consumption of synthetic cannabinoid products laced with brodifacoum, an anticoagulant (blood-thinning) compound commonly used in rat poison. Hundreds of users of synthetic cannabinoid products typically sold in gas stations and convenience stores under various brand names such as “K2” and “Spice” have been treated for complications such as bleeding, and several people have died. Users of these products should be alert for bleeding and other symptoms like easy bruising, oozing gums, and nosebleeds and seek medical attention if they suspect they may have consumed contaminated drugs. Brodifacoum remains in the body a long time and can raise bleeding risk for weeks after consumption.
