The state departments of Public Health and Mental Health and Addiction Services warned Connecticut residents Tuesday about the dangers of synthetic marijuana.

Synthetic marijuana is a “designer drug” that does not contain marijuana, but rather contains any of a variety of plants sprayed with laboratory-produced chemicals that mimic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, the departments said in a news release. The sale and possession of these substances in Connecticut had been banned under Department of Consumer Protection regulations in 2012.

Reports of adverse health effects associated with synthetic marijuana use have increased recently, the departments said. Users have reported experiencing agitation, extreme nervousness, anxiety attacks, a fast heartbeat, increased blood pressure, tremors and shaking, vomiting, hallucinations and seizures. New York and other states have issued similar warnings.

“Synthetic marijuana is formulated with known and unknown chemicals, some of which are suspected to be extremely hazardous to health,” DMHAS Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon said. “DMHAS will coordinate with other state agencies and poison control to evaluate additional steps that can be taken to address this issue.”

Dr. Jewel Mullen, public health commissioner, said that despite how these products are marketed, “they are not harmless and can cause severe illness.”

To get help after using synthetic marijuana:

• Call your personal physician.

• Call the poison control center at (800) 222-1222. Poison experts can help you decide if someone can be treated at home or should go to the hospital. Poison centers are open around the clock.

• Call 911 immediately if someone stops breathing, collapses or has a seizure. These symptoms can be life threatening and require immediate medical attention.