ILLINOIS — According to Illinois state health officials, six people have experience severe bleeding in northeast Illinois after using fake cannabinoids, or fake weed.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is warning people about the dangers of synthetic cannabinoids, often called fake weed, K2, and spice.

IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D., says despite the perception that synthetic cannabinoids are safe and a legal alternative to marijuana, many are illegal and can cause severe illness,. He points to the recent cases of severe bleeding as evidence of the harm synthetic cannabinoids can cause.

Anyone who has a serious reaction to synthetic cannabinoids should call 911 or go to your nearest health provider.