At least 75 people downtown have been treated within the past week for apparent overdoses on synthetic cannabis, sparking a plea Friday from the region’s largest homeless services provider: Please don’t give money to panhandlers.

“The St. Patrick Center team is deeply concerned about the recent rash of K2 overdoses among our community’s homeless population,” said Kelly Peach, communications director for the downtown center, referring to the more popular name for synthetic cannabis. “With this in mind, we strongly caution all who feel compelled to give money to people in our region who are panhandling.”

In several parts of downtown, as well as at major intersections in the city, panhandlers are often spotted asking for money.

“We know, due to our many years of experience and first-hand accounts, that they may use your money to support bad habits, including substance abuse,” Peach said.

Peach said that because K2 can be bought on the streets for as little as $2, “even a small donation can put a life at risk. Though not usually fatal, K2 is very dangerous to anyone who takes it.”