Slang

Angel Dust, Wet, Supergrass, Killer Weed, Embalming Fluid, Rocket Fuel, Hog, Wack, Dust, Oxone, Zoot, Peace Pill, Elephant tranquillizer.

If you smoke PCP with certain drugs they have certain names for them too:

• With pot: Killer Joints or Crystal Supergrass
• Dipping PCP with cigarettes or joints: Smoking Wet or Wetting it up
• With crack: Space Base

Side effects

Because PCP works differently than most hallucinogens, the effects can vary. Some side effects include:

• Distortions of time, space, and the way things appear
• Hallucinations and euphoric feelings
• Confusion, blank stare or rapid eye movements
• Sense of separation from surroundings and acting detached or distant
• Confusion, hard to concentrate and communicate
• In larger doses, one can have feelings of fear, paranoia, aggressiveness or passiveness. This can bring on bad side effects that can last for days
• Overdose can cause coma, convulsions or possibly death

Long term effects

• Over time, the use of PCP can lead to depression, anxiety, memory loss, and communication/speech problems
• Withdrawal from social situations
• Flashbacks can occur even if the drug was taken many months ago. This can be in the form of a hallucination or a sensation
• The effects of this drug can make a person seem to have the same characteristics as someone with schizophrenia. They may be delusional, paranoid, violent and aggressive
• Unpredictable behaviour

Facts

• PCP in its original form is a white crystalline powder and this powder can be made into a liquid or pill form. It can also be mixed with dyes to change its colour and therefore result in different pills and capsules sold on the street.
• PCP was medically used as an anesthetic for humans in the 1950s before doctors realized the side effects were too severe.
• PCP is addictive and can cause cravings if repeated use occurs.
• If someone is brought into an emergency room or jail on PCP, they should be placed in a calm setting or they are liable to become violent and/or aggressive to themselves and others. However, someone on PCP should not be left alone (Health Canada).

Laws

In Canada, PCP (phencyclidine) and its salts, analogues, derivatives and salts of analogues and derivatives are governed by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act under Schedule I in the Canadian Criminal Code.

PCP is illegal and possessing it is a criminal offence. Anyone caught trafficking, or in possession of PCP for the purpose of trafficking, or possession for the purpose of production, exporting, import and export are also guilty of a criminal offence.

Where to go for help

If you have more questions regarding this drug or any other hallucinogen, please talk to your doctor, community health center, parent and/or school counsellor.

Links

Alberta Alcohol & Drug Abuse Commission
StreetDrugs.Org
Health Canada