Drug Index

PCP (Phencyclidine)

Also known as: LPCP, ketamine, angel dust, elephant, hog.

Medical Uses

Originally developed as an intravenous anaesthetic, it’s now discarded for human use. The analog ketamine is used in veterinary medicine as a general anaesthetic or tranquillizer for large animals, for burn victims and for young children.

Short Term Effects

It is a dissociative anaesthetic, which means it cuts off the brain’s perceptions of the senses. Effects last 3 to 18 hours. It can produce a state of pleasurable intoxication, a sense of separation from surroundings, perceptual distortions, and difficulty in concentrating and communicating.

Users may become highly confused, paranoid, terrified, aggressive, or passive. Bad trips are more common with PCP than with other drugs. Overdose can cause convulsions, coma, and death. Accidental death can result from drug-induced confusion.

Long Term Effects

As with LSD, flashbacks may occur. Other possible effects include persistent speech problems, depression, anxiety, or more severe psychological consequences.

Tolerance and Dependance

Regular use produces tolerance. Chronic users may become psychologically dependent, but PCP does not cause physical dependence. Users feel no pain and can be very violent.

Legal Status

In Canada, Phencyclidine, its salts, derivatives and analogues are governed by the provisions of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act applicable to Schedule I. Unlawful possession is a criminal offence punishable on indictment by imprisonment for up to seven years and on summary conviction for a first offence to a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. A subsequent offence is punishable on summary conviction by a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession for the purpose of exporting, production, import and export are indictable offences punishable by up to life imprisonment. (Peyote is not covered by this Schedule.)

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