The Illinois Department of Public Health is issuing a warning about using synthetic cannabinoids, after six people who used them suffered severe bleeding. The substance is also referred to as fake weed, K2 and spice. Dr. Nirav Shah is the director of public health, and he says that the perception is using synthetic cannabinoids are a safe and legal alternative choice to marijuana. He does say that there is potential harm, which was shown by the 6 cases of bleeding, among users of the substance in northeastern Illinois since March 10th. The substance is a mixture of hundreds of chemicals. The chemicals are called cannabinoids, since they affect the same brain cell receptors as the main ingredient in marijuana. Shah also says that they are unsafe, since it is difficult to know what chemicals they contain or what a certain individuals reaction could be.