Lehigh County District Attorney James B. Martin and Allentown Health Bureau Director Vicky Kistler are warning the public about the dangers of synthetic marijuana in the wake of numerous people being treated for severely adverse reactions recently and eight suspected overdose deaths in Lehigh County.

Since April 17, there were at least 50 incidents in Allentown in which people had exhibited various degrees of intoxication resulting in required intubation in some cases and aggressive behavior toward police officers and emergency medical services personnel.

From April 17 to the evening of April 20, there were at least 30 incidents in Allentown, including eight April 20.

The City of Bethlehem has had at least nine incidents since April 13 where police and paramedics responded to reports of adverse reactions that may be attributed to the use of synthetic marijuana.

There are reports from other areas of the state where similar incidents have occurred. Dauphin, Lancaster, Luzerne and Northampton counties all have reported adverse reactions.

Martin said toxicology tests are pending but statements obtained by police and items located at the scenes indicate the use of synthetic marijuana, which is green leafy matter sprayed with chemical compounds.

Patients have ranged in age from 13 to 60.

The Lehigh County Coroner's Office reported eight suspected overdose deaths in Lehigh County – four April 16, two April 18 and 19 and two April 21. Toxicology results are pending so it is unknown at this time what substance or substances were ingested.

On April 21, representatives from the District Attorney's office, the health bureau, Allentown Police Department and emergency medical services met to try to determine the scope of the problem.

Martin said some of the patients became very combative and did not appear to feel any pain, making restraint extremely difficult.

Packets found at the scenes of several of the incidents may indicate a substance that may have been used, but Martin said authorities are still trying to determine the chemical identity of the substances causing the reactions.

Martin noted people taking synthetic marijuana can become aggressive without provocation and some have become unconscious and have needed intubation to breathe.

"These substances are extremely dangerous," Martin said. "The green leafy matter in these packets may appear to be innocuous. However, it has been sprayed with chemical compounds that are hazardous."

The packets, which are often colorful and are similar in size to an index card, often are labeled as potpourri and are advertised as blends of potent potpourri with long-lasting aromas, Martin said. "They often are labeled as 'not for human consumption,' " he said.

The packets are sold in convenience stores and markets and illegally on the street, he added.

Cost varies, but a packet can be obtained for $20.

Martin cautioned parents to be on the lookout for paraphernalia their children may have used in conjunction with synthetic marijuana, such as rolling papers and smoking pipes.

"People think this is a safe substance and underestimate how dangerous it is," Martin said.

"There is no way for a user to know exactly what chemical compound has been sprayed on the synthetic marijuana." He noted analyses of a particular brand have shown one packet contained one chemical and a second packet of the same brand contained a different chemical. "Each one contained a completely different chemical compound," Martin added.

People should beware of these substances because the effects on the human body are still unknown and the types of chemicals used are still unknown, Martin said.