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.