PCP
Timeline
1926 | Phencyclidine (PCP) is first synthesized. 1 | |
mid 1950s | Parke Davis begins investigating PCP as a human anesthetic. 2 | |
1957 | PCP tested for the first time on 64 human subjects. Worrying side effects such as hallucinations, mania, delirium and disorientation manifested. 2 [Details] | |
1963 | PCP is patented as a surgical analgesic and anesthetic under the name 'Sernyl'. 3 | |
1965 | PCP is withdrawn for use on humans because of reports of the negatives effects caused by its use. 3 | |
1967 | PCP is marketed under the name Sernylan as a tranquilizer and anesthetic for animals. 3 | |
1967 | PCP shows up on the street as a recreational drug under a variety of names including 'angel dust', 'hog', 'super-weed', and 'THC'. Because it is inexpensive and relatively easy to make it is frequently marketed and sold as other substances including Cocaine, LSD, and THC. 2 | |
Apr 6, 1969 | PCP was placed under DACA control in the United States, making it illegal to possess, sell, or manufacture except for personal use. 4 | |
Nov 1969 | DEA's forerunner, the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, reports in their Microgram newsletter: "Phencyclidine HCI impregnated on plant material and promoted as 'Hog' was recently analyzed by our Washington Regional laboratory. The evidence was seized in Virginia, and a localpolice department states that the term 'Hog' has been used in the area for alleged 'THC', reportedly mixed with strychnine." | |
Early 1970s | PCP is placed in schedule III of the Controlled Substance Act. | |
1973 - 1975 | Use of PCP spreads quickly in the U.S. 2 | |
1978 | PCP is moved from schedule III to schedule II of the Controlled Substance Act. 5 | |
1979 | 7 percent of high school seniors report having used PCP in the last year. 6 [More Info] | |
1980 - 1995 | The use of PCP among high school students steadily declines between 1979 and and the mid 1990s. 6 [More Info] | |
2010 | Five percent of men arrested in the District of Columbia test positive for PCP. 7 [Details] |
References
- Rudgley R. The Encyclopaedia of Psychoactive Substances. Thomas Dunne Books, 1998.
- Carroll M. The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Drugs: PCP. Chelsea House, 1985.
- Grinspoon L, Bakalar JB. Psychedelic Drugs Reconsidered. Lindesmith, 1997.
- Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. Microgram Jan 1969;2(1):2.
- DEA. DEA Web Site.
- Monitoring the Future Study.
- Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring Program II Annual Report 2010. p. xvi.