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.

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.

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

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

Martin said toxicology tests are pending but that statements obtained by police and items at the scenes indicate the use of synthetic marijuana, which is green leafy matter that has been 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 on April 16, two over the previous weekend and two the evening of April 21.

Toxicology results are pending so it is unknown at this time what substance or substances were ingested.

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 that caused the reactions.

"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.

Martin cautioned parents to be on the lookout for paraphernalia their children may have that is 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."