New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan declared a State of Emergency on Aug. 14 as a result of recent overdoses in Manchester and Concord from use or misuse of the synthetic cannabinoid identified as Smacked. As part of the state of emergency, various authorities will work together to isolate and destroy the synthetic drug, as well as investigate. In addition to Smacked, at least two other brands of synthetic cannabinoid have tested positive for controlled substances.

Since August 11, 2014, the Manchester Police Department and local health authorities reported at least 41 people in the Manchester area have experienced serious medical reactions to the synthetic cannabinoid. Of these, at least 20 were taken by ambulance to Manchester hospitals for treatment. In addition, the Concord Police Department has reported at least three cases over a 24-hour period leading up to the Governor’s declaration.

Fox News reports that Smacked bubblegum flavor is of particular concern because a number of the people brought to hospitals reported using that flavor. Smacked has primarily been found in convenience stores. These stores have had their business licenses revoked. Authorities have reminded businesses that selling or using these products is illegal.

A federal ban on compounds found in synthetic marijuana products and bath salts was enacted in 2012, and later that year New Hampshire joined more 40 other states in adopting similar bans. Unfortunately, it is a difficult ban to enforce as compounds can be changed slightly and, technically, no longer fall under the ban.