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Wisconsin Records 1st Death Linked To Synthetic Marijuana

Woman Died Of Complications From Ingesting Rat Poison, Drugs, Including Synthetic Marijuana, Were Contributing Factor

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K2, synthetic marijuana
This Feb. 15, 2010, photo shows a package of K2 which contains herbs and spices sprayed with a synthetic compound chemically similar to THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Kelley McCall/AP Photo

Wisconsin health officials report the first death in the state linked to a recent surge in people using synthetic marijuana.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services on Wednesday confirmed a death in Milwaukee County related to the use of synthetic marijuana, often called fake weed, K2 and spice.

According to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office, a 33-year-old woman died July 1 of complications from ingesting rat poison, and that drugs including synthetic marijuana, methadone and cough suppressant were a contributing factor.

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Health officials say overall, Wisconsin has seen 45 cases of people getting sick from using synthetic marijuana since March, including 37 confirmed cases and eight probable cases. Counties with confirmed cases include Dane, Milwaukee, Outagamie and Rock.

Fake marijuana contains chemicals that produce a marijuana-like high.

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