PCP (Phencyclidine): Legal consequences
PCP is considered by the U.S. federal government to be a Schedule II hallucinogen drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). That means it is believed to have a high abuse potential but can be used legally under certain, very restricted, medical settings. In the United Kingdom, PCP is a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, which means it is not legally available for medical use, and it is illegal to possess or supply.
Legal history
PCP was first listed by the U.S. federal government as a Schedule III substance in the 1960s. That meant it was legal for use in certain medical settings. However, it was changed to a Schedule II drug in 1978 because of reports of considerable abuse of the drug on the street.
Federal guidelines, regulations, and penalties
As a Schedule II hallucinogen, someone found with PCP faces stiff penalties. For a first offense, penalties in the United States range from five to 40 years in prison and fines of up to four million dollars for an individual. Repeat offenders face a prison sentence of 20 years to life and fines of up to eight million dollars.
In the United Kingdom, maximum penalties for supplying PCP are life imprisonment and a fine. Possession of the drug carries penalties of up to seven years in prison and a fine.
