Bad weed: synthetic cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy

Blood. 2019 Feb 28;133(9):902-905. doi: 10.1182/blood-2018-11-876839. Epub 2019 Jan 17.

Abstract

Recent multistate outbreaks of coagulopathy caused by brodifacoum-tainted synthetic cannabinoids or "fake weed" highlight the public health impact of long-acting anticoagulant rodenticides (LAARs). Patients presenting with this syndrome have had recent exposure to synthetic cannabinoids, evidence of isolated vitamin K antagonism with or without bleeding, and detectable levels of brodifacoum and other LAARs in circulation. This article will provide information on synthetic cannabinoids, LAARs, and coagulopathic manifestations arising from use of adulterated synthetic cannabinoids and their management.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • 4-Hydroxycoumarins / poisoning*
  • Anticoagulants / poisoning*
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / chemically induced
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / pathology*
  • Cannabinoids / poisoning*
  • Disease Management
  • Drug Contamination*
  • Humans

Substances

  • 4-Hydroxycoumarins
  • Anticoagulants
  • Cannabinoids
  • bromfenacoum