PCP

Phencyclidine, more commonly referred to as PCP, was produced legally as an anesthesia for surgical operations in the early 1950's. However, due to extreme and frightening adverse side affects, further human use was discontinued. PCP is a powerful drug even in small quantities. It can affect the user as an anesthetic, a stimulant and a halucinogen all at the same time, making it one of the most unpredictable and dangerous illicit drugs. Because of the multiple effects of PCP on an individual, a user who is normally silent and withdrawn on the drug may suddenly become extremely aggressive and violent. PCP has emerged as a widely used street drug found in a variety of different forms including powder, tablets and liquid. Depending on the form in which it is found, PCP can be taken orally, smoked, injected snorted or inhaled. Most often PCP is found on the street as either a white powder or as a liquid sprayed on parsley flakes or on marijuana (referred to as "lacing"). The parsley or marijuana is then smoked by the user. It is characteristically stored in plastic baggies or in small film cans.

PCP is a man-made hallucinogen even more dangerous than LSD. It is the most destructive drug known and affects every neurotransmitter in the brain. It is most often used as a powder with either marijuana or tobacco.

PCP combines the worst effects of cocaine, cannabis, alcohol and LSD and produces hallucinations, confusion, sedation, agitation and madness. Suicides, self-mutilations, and horrible murders have been committed under the influence of PCP. Permanent impairment of brain function is possible with PCP use.

PCP is sometimes considered an hallucinogen because it has some of the same effects. However, it does not fit easily into any one drug category. Because PCP is made under non-quality controlled circumstances and is associated with extremely bizarre and aggressive acts, it is considered the most unpredictable drug. It is frequently sprinkled onto marijuana to intensify the effect. This is referred to as "killer weed."