Georgia Bureau of Investigation officials say a synthetic drug linked to several hospitalizations in coastal Georgia has been declared as a controlled substance.

Agency spokeswoman Sherry Lang says officials had a strain of synthetic marijuana named "Crazy Clown" tested at its crime lab in Savannah and found a new synthetic cannabinoid.

The chemicals in the synthetic drug are meant to mimic those that are found in marijuana. However, officials have said people who have used certain synthetic forms of the drug have been hospitalized for a range of symptoms including vomiting, shortness of breath and violent behavior.

Investigators began pulling "Crazy Clown" from smoke shops in Brunswick after people said they were sickened after using the product in late August.

Tags: Georgia Bureau of Investigation, crime lab, Synthetic Marijuana, synthetic cannabinoid, Crazy Clown, controlled substance