The state Department of Health is warning people in St. Lawrence County and around New York of a recent increase in the use of a synthetic cannabinoid that sent more than 160 patients to the hospital last month for treatment of poisoning.

The drug, identified by street names such as “spice” and “K2,” is abused by mainly teens and young adults and is known to be marketed as incense, herbal mixtures or potpourri in order to mask its true purpose, the DOH said.

Synthetic cannabinoids are marketed as legal and typically consist of plant material coated by chemicals which are supposed to mimic THC, the active chemical compound in marijuana. The products often carry a "not for human consumption" label in order to disguise the true purpose of the substance. These drugs are often referred to by different names, including Spice, K2, Blonde, Summit, Standard, Blaze, Red Dawn X, Citron, Green Giant, Smacked, Wicked X and AK-47. Additional names from some recent reported cases include Geeked Up, Ninja, Caution, Red Giant or Keisha Kole, the DOH said.

The sale and possession of these substances in New York had been banned under Health Department regulations issued in 2012.

“Synthetic drugs are anything but harmless, and this rash of severe health emergencies across the state is direct proof,” Gov. Cuomo said. “We banned synthetic marijuana, bath salts and similar substances to avoid the disastrous results that occur – and as law enforcement and health officials continue to crack down on the use and sale of these drugs in New York, we are today issuing a health alert as a warning amidst this surge in hospitalizations.”

Calls to New York State poison control centers due to the use of synthetic cannabinoids increased dramatically last month. Users of the synthetic mixtures typically experience symptoms that include agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, tremor, seizures, hallucinations, paranoia and violent behavior, the DOH said.

Acting New York State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said, “Drugs like ‘spice’ pose a significant threat to public health and New Yorkers need to be aware of the dangers. Since the exact compounds contained in synthetic cannabinoid products change so frequently, it’s often impossible for users to know exactly what they are putting in their body. This has produced unpredictable adverse reactions and landed far too many people in the hospital – some in intensive care units for treatment.”