Phencyclidine (PCP) Questions and Answers
Background
- Encountering persons under the influence of PCP presents some very unique dangers to law enforcement personnel. These dangers include violent encounters with persons under the influence of the drug, and the dangers of contamination from the d...
Phencyclidine (PCP) Questions and
Answers
Background - answer - Encountering persons under the influence of PCP presents
some very unique dangers to law enforcement personnel. These dangers include
violent encounters with persons under the influence of the drug, and the dangers of
contamination from the drug itself. Because of this, PCP will be examined in great
detail.
- Chemically, PCP is 1-(1-Phencyclohexyl) Piperidine Hydrochloride, and is the
prototype of the various phencyclidines. There are some 34 analogs (drugs chemically
similar) of PCP and an estimated 120 variations of those analogs which could be
chemically produced. Therefore, these analogs, when introduced into the bloodstream,
will produce basically the same effects.
- Phencyclidine is a very powerful synthetic hallucination which was medically
developed in the mid-1950's as an analgesic and anesthetic agent for primate research.
In 1963 Parke-Davis marketed PCP under the brand name of Sernyl and it was used as
a general anesthetic for human surgery. However, during the period of 1963 to 1965,
medical personnel observed numerous unpredictable side effects which caused
considerable concern. Many patients experienced mind-altering episodes which
resulted in bizarre reactions and post-operative behavioral toxicity resulting in injuries to
patients and hospital personnel. These complications forced Parke-Davis to discontinue
the drug for human use in 1965, however, they did continue to utilize it as a veterinary
tranquilizer under the brand name of Sernylan.
- Ketamine, an analog of PCP, has recently emerged as a popular drug of abuse in the
party and nightclub scene. Often referred to as "Special K," this drug has legitimate
medical uses as anesthetic in pediatric surgery and for use with burn victims.
Recognition - answer 1. Powder- A crystalline substance which is usually white, off-
white, or yellow in color, and emits an odor similar to that of ether. PCP powder is often
referred to as "Crystal" or "Dust."
2. Liquid- A straw-colored or light yellow liquid which is contained in various sized glass
containers, which also emits a strong ether odor. Liquid PCP is often referred to as
"Juice."
3. Joint- A hand-rolled cigarette or "pinroll" joint containing a leafy substance such as
mint leaves, parsley, or marijuana. The PCP powder or liquid is either sprinkled or
sprayed onto the smoking material. These are usually referred to as "PCP joints" or
"Angel Dust joints."
4. Dipped Cigarette- Commercially produced cigarettes such as Sherman, More, and
Kool brands are dipped into liquid PCP, then dried and smoked. These are referred to
as "Sherms" or "Super Kools."
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