PCP Possession and Penalties

PCP or "angel dust" is a chemically made substance. Originally developed in the 1950s as an anesthetic, its medical use was quickly discontinued due to its adverse effects on patients. This highly addictive drug causes many health problems, and its possession is a crime under federal and state laws.

What Is PCP or Angel Dust?

PCP (phencyclidine) goes by several street names, including angel dust, ozone, rocket fuel, wack, and embalming fluid. The drug is classified as a hallucinogen. It's considered a "dissociative hallucinogen," because the drug induces distortions of sight and sounds and causes the user to feel detached. PCP comes in powder, liquid, crystal, and capsule forms. It can be smoked, swallowed, snorted, or injected. Some users dip marijuana joints or cigarettes in liquid PCP—these are called dippers.

Physical side effects of PCP ingestion can include numbing of extremities, difficulty walking and speaking, loss of balance, and slurring of words. Psychological side effects can include paranoia, hallucinations, amnesia, confusion, suicidal impulses, and terror. At high doses, PCP can cause tremors, muscle spasms, coma, fever, stroke, respiratory failure, and death.

Is PCP Illegal?

Yes. Possession of PCP is a crime under federal and state laws. Federal and most (if not all) state laws list PCP as a Schedule II substance, which means it has a high potential for addiction and abuse and limited medical uses. Many states single out possession of PCP for harsh penalties.

What Are the Penalties for Possession of PCP?

A person convicted of simple possession of PCP or angel dust can face misdemeanor or felony penalties under state or federal laws.

Federal Penalties for PCP Possession

Federal penalties for PCP possession increase from a misdemeanor to a felony when a defendant is a repeat drug offender.

First conviction. A person with no prior federal or state drug convictions faces up to a year in prison and a minimum $1,000 fine for PCP possession.

Second conviction. A person convicted of PCP possession after a prior drug conviction in either federal or state court may be sentenced to not less than 15 days and not more than 2 years in prison, fined not less than $2,500, or both.

Third and subsequent convictions. A person will face 90 days to 3 years of prison time and a minimum $5,000 fine if convicted of PCP possession after having two or more prior drug convictions.

A charge of possession with intent to distribute (sell) PCP greatly increases the penalties.

(21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 844 (2024).)

State Penalties for PCP Possession

State penalties for PCP possession vary greatly. Some states punish simple possession of any illegal drug the same without regard to the type of drug. However, many states single out possession of highly addictive and dangerous drugs, like PCP, for harsher penalties.

For instance, Arizona places PCP in its definition of "dangerous drugs," along with meth, LSD, meth, and ketamine. Possession of dangerous drugs starts as a felony in Arizona. New York also singles out PCP for harsher penalties. Possession of 50 milligrams of PCP carries felony penalties. In New Mexico, possession of PCP is a fourth-degree felony, along with drugs such as meth, GHB, Rohypnol, and Schedule I and II narcotics.

Check out these and other state penalties for drug possession crimes.

(Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 13-3401, 13-3407 (2024); N.M. Stat. § 30-31-23 (2024); N.Y. Penal Law § 220.06 (2024).)

What to Do If You Face PCP Possession Charges

A conviction for possession of PCP or angel dust can mean felony penalties under federal or state law. Even if the offense is a misdemeanor, having a drug conviction on record makes it tough to get a job, housing, and education and often means harsher penalties for any future drug charges. Make sure to talk to a criminal defense lawyer about your options. If you can't afford a private attorney, ask for a public defender.