Last Updated on September 19, 2025
Angel Dust Weed (PCP‑Laced Marijuana): What It Is, What PCP Does to You, and How to Stay Safe
At a Glance: Angel Dust Weed (PCP-Laced Marijuana)
What is angel dust the drug?
What is angel dust the drug: Angel dust is another name for PCP (phencyclidine), a powerful dissociative drug that can cause hallucinations, paranoia, and dangerous behavior.
What does angel dust weed mean?
What does angel dust weed mean: Angel dust weed refers to marijuana laced with PCP, often called pcp weed, wet, or a sherm stick drug.
What are the symptoms of PCP use?
What are the symptoms of PCP use: Common symptoms of PCP include agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, poor coordination, and rapid eye movements (nystagmus).
What are the side effects of PCP?
What are the side effects of PCP: Side effects of PCP can range from anxiety, confusion, and aggression to severe medical risks such as seizures, psychosis, and coma.
What should you do if someone has a PCP overdose?
What should you do if someone has a PCP overdose: A PCP overdose is a medical emergency. Call 911, keep the person safe from harm, and wait for emergency services.
Table of Contents
If you’ve heard terms like angel dust weed, pcp weed, sherm stick drug, or smoking pcp, you’re not alone. On the street, these phrases usually mean marijuana or tobacco that’s been dipped in liquid PCP (phencyclidine) and then smoked. The problem? PCP is a dissociative that can rapidly derail judgment, perception, and behavior—sometimes with life‑threatening results.
Angel dust the drug: the basics
Angel dust the drug is PCP—short for phencyclidine. It was developed decades ago as an anesthetic but was abandoned in people because of severe psychological side effects. On the illicit market, PCP shows up as a powder or liquid and goes by names like Angel Dust and Shermans. People smoke pcp by spraying it onto plant material or dipping cigarettes/joints into liquid PCP.
What “angel dust weed” and “pcp weed” really mean
When someone offers angel dust weed or pcp weed, they’re usually referring to cannabis laced with PCP—also called “wet” or “sherm.” The NDIC describes “fry/wet” as marijuana or tobacco cigarettes dipped in PCP and/or embalming fluid. The Alberta public‑health guide likewise notes PCP is often smoked after mixing with cannabis or tobacco.
What is a “sherm stick drug”?
A sherm stick drug is typically a cigarette or joint that’s been dipped in PCP (sometimes said to be dipped in embalming fluid on the street). The DEA lists Shermans among PCP street terms, reflecting this preparation.
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What PCP does to you: short‑term vs. long‑term
PCP is a dissociative. It disrupts NMDA‑receptor signaling and can cause intense detachment, hallucinations, paranoia, and agitation. Effects can last hours and vary wildly with dose, route, and other drugs used.
Short‑term effects (minutes to hours)
Euphoria or numbness followed by confusion, anxiety, or fear
Distorted sights, sounds, and body perception
Poor coordination and slurred speech
Agitation, impulsivity, or violent behavior
Nystagmus (rapid, side‑to‑side eye movements)—a classic red flag clinicians look for
Increased heart rate and blood pressure; fever in severe cases
These features are well‑documented in emergency references and patient resources.
Long‑term effects (weeks to months)
Long‑term effects (weeks to months)
When should I get medical help?
Call 911 (or your local emergency number) if someone shows signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, difficulty staying awake, slow breathing/heartbeat, clammy or bluish skin, seizures) or heart attack symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath, arm/jaw pain). When in doubt, get help.
PCP signs you can spot (symptoms of pcp use)
If you’re worried about a friend, these pcp signs are common:
Behavioral signs
Sudden detachment or bizarre, unpredictable behavior
Paranoia, irritability, or aggressive outbursts
Disorganized thinking or incoherent speech
Physical signs
Nystagmus (rapid eye movements)
Staggering gait, poor balance, or muscle rigidity
Flushed skin, sweating, elevated blood pressure/heart rate
These symptoms of pcp often appear together and can escalate quickly.
Mental‑health signs
Hallucinations and delusions
Severe anxiety or panic
- Disconnection from reality (dissociation)
These symptoms of pcp use may blur with other psychiatric conditions—another reason emergency assessment matters.
Side effects of pcp that make “angel dust weed” especially risky
When PCP is smoked on plant material (cannabis or tobacco), dosing is highly unpredictable. Two “sherm sticks” made the same way can still deliver very different amounts—amplifying panic, psychosis, blackouts, and dangerous behavior. Some street preparations also mention “embalming fluid.” While the term is often slang for liquid PCP, emergency literature documents respiratory failure after smoking cigarettes dipped in formaldehyde/PCP mixtures, and NIOSH classifies formaldehyde as a potential occupational carcinogen—a reminder that these brews may contain toxic chemicals beyond PCP itself.
PCP overdose: what to watch for and what to do
pcp overdose or severe toxicity can look like:
Seizures, coma, or unresponsiveness
Severe agitation or violent behavior
High blood pressure, very high fever, irregular breathing
Nystagmus, loss of coordination, and psychosis
Act fast: Call emergency services. Keep the person safe from falls and injury, avoid restraint if possible (it can worsen agitation and overheating), and cool the body if they’re hot (fans, cool cloths) while awaiting EMS. Hospital care focuses on sedation, cooling, airway protection, and monitoring for complications like rhabdomyolysis.
“Smoke pcp” ≠ safer pcp: why route matters
Some people believe that if they smoke pcp, they can better “control” the dose. In reality, smoking pcp is not safer:
Liquid PCP may pool unevenly on the plant material, delivering bolus doses.
The mix itself can contain other chemicals (see the “embalming fluid” issue above).
Smoke inhalation can irritate or injure the airways; case reports link “wet” to respiratory failure.
Addiction and mental health: how pcp drugs complicate recovery
PCP can trigger or worsen mental‑health conditions—especially anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and psychosis‑spectrum symptoms. Repeated exposure increases risk for substance use disorder. Because the drug can linger (fat‑soluble, long half‑life), some people experience prolonged confusion or mood changes after use. Integrated care—detox support, psychotherapy (e.g., CBT), relapse‑prevention skills, and psychiatric evaluation—gives the best chance of stabilizing both substance use and mental health.
Practical help
If someone is high right now
Stay with them and reduce stimulation (quiet room, low lights).
Remove hazards (sharp objects, car keys).
Call emergency services if agitation, confusion, overheating, chest pain, seizures, or unresponsiveness appear.
These steps mirror public‑health guidance for acute intoxication/overdose.
If they want to stop
Seek a medical evaluation (primary care, urgent care, or ED) to check for complications and discuss next steps.
Ask about behavioral treatment, support groups, and mental‑health care to address anxiety, depression, or psychosis that may follow use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Angel Dust Weed (PCP-Laced Marijuana)
How strong is angel dust?
Angel dust, also known as PCP, is extremely potent. Even small doses can cause intense hallucinations, paranoia, and dangerous behavior.
What is the nickname for angel dust?
Common nicknames include PCP, wet, fry, sherm sticks, and angel dust weed when mixed with marijuana.
What drug is called Stardust?
Stardust is another street name sometimes used for PCP drugs, highlighting its reputation for causing dissociation and hallucinations.
Is angel dust legit?
Angel dust is not a legitimate medical drug today. PCP was once tested as an anesthetic but was abandoned due to severe side effects.
What is the first line treatment for PCP intoxication?
First-line treatment usually involves supportive care, calming the environment, and sometimes medications like benzodiazepines to manage agitation or seizures.
What are the findings of PCP intoxication?
Symptoms of PCP use include nystagmus (rapid eye movement), agitation, hallucinations, delusions, and poor coordination.
Why would I test positive for PCP?
Testing positive may come from direct PCP use, accidental exposure to pcp-laced weed, or rarely, cross-reactivity in drug screenings.
How do I know if I’ve accidentally overdosed?
A PCP overdose may involve seizures, coma, severe confusion, dangerously high body temperature, or unresponsiveness—seek emergency help immediately.
Which is the most heavily abused drug?
While alcohol and opioids are among the most abused overall, PCP and angel dust weed remain highly dangerous due to their unpredictability.
What are the top 5 most addictive drugs?
Many experts list heroin, cocaine, nicotine, alcohol, and methamphetamine among the top, though PCP is also recognized for its addictive potential and severe mental health impact.
How Nova Recovery Center Can Help With Angel Dust Weed Addiction and Abuse
At Nova Recovery Center, we understand the serious risks tied to angel dust weed and other forms of PCP drugs. Smoking PCP or using laced marijuana can quickly lead to unpredictable behavior, dangerous health consequences, and long-term dependence. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based treatment designed to address both the physical symptoms of withdrawal and the psychological challenges that follow. We help individuals recognize the pcp signs and develop strategies to overcome cravings, manage triggers, and prevent relapse. Through a full continuum of care—including detox support, residential treatment, and outpatient programs—we create a personalized path to recovery. Because PCP abuse often impacts mental health, we also integrate therapy to treat underlying issues like anxiety, depression, or psychosis. At Nova, clients gain access to group support, relapse-prevention education, and holistic therapies that heal the mind and body. We are committed to guiding each person toward stability, resilience, and lasting recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with pcp weed or the sherm stick drug, our dedicated team is here to help.
