The term “KJ drug” refers to a dangerous illicit substance combination that has emerged as a public health concern. This street term highlights a specific method of drug consumption: lacing common substances with powerful psychoactive compounds. Understanding what a “KJ drug” entails, its effects, and associated risks is important for recognizing the serious dangers it presents.
What is a “KJ Drug”?
A “KJ drug” is street slang for a marijuana cigarette, or “joint,” that has been laced with phencyclidine (PCP). PCP is a potent dissociative anesthetic and hallucinogen. It was developed in the 1950s as an anesthetic but discontinued in 1965 due to severe side effects like agitation and hallucinations. It is no longer legally manufactured or used medically in the United States.
On the street, PCP is known by various names, including Angel Dust, Hog, Wack, Ozone, Rocket Fuel, Sherman’s, Crystal, and Embalming Fluid. When combined with marijuana, it can be called Killer Joints (KJ), Super Grass, Fry, Lovelies, Wets, or Waters. PCP can be found in several forms, such as white crystalline powder, liquid, tablets, or capsules. It is typically smoked, snorted, or ingested. Smoking is the most frequent method of recreational use, often by saturating leafy materials like mint, parsley, oregano, tobacco, or marijuana with PCP and then rolling them into cigarettes.
Understanding PCP’s Effects
The effects of PCP are unpredictable and vary significantly based on dosage and administration method. When smoked, intoxicating effects can manifest within 2 to 5 minutes, while swallowing the drug may delay onset to 30 to 60 minutes. A “trip” from PCP typically lasts between 4 to 8 hours, though some effects can persist for 24 to 48 hours.
At low to moderate doses, PCP can produce effects similar to alcohol intoxication, including euphoria, giddiness, slurred speech, and impaired coordination. Users may experience numbness, detachment from their body and surroundings, and a distorted perception of reality, including altered perceptions of sight, sound, and time. Observable physical signs can include a blank stare, rapid and involuntary eye movements, and an exaggerated gait.
Higher doses can lead to more severe mental and physical alterations. These can include vivid hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and symptoms resembling schizophrenia, such as disorganized thoughts and bizarre behavior. Users may also exhibit aggressive or violent tendencies, fueled by a false sense of strength and invulnerability, and can experience catatonic states or seizures. Physiological effects at these doses involve increased blood pressure, rapid and shallow breathing, elevated heart rate, and elevated body temperature. Some individuals may also experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and excessive drooling.
Dangers and Addiction
The use of PCP, especially in a “KJ drug,” carries significant dangers, including a risk of overdose and long-term health consequences. An overdose of PCP can lead to life-threatening conditions including seizures, coma, respiratory arrest, and even death, often due to accidental injury or suicide while under the drug’s influence. The illicit nature of the drug means its potency is unpredictable, further increasing overdose risk.
The psychological effects of PCP can result in dangerous behaviors. Users may engage in self-inflicted injuries or violent acts due to impaired judgment, aggression, and a feeling of invulnerability. The drug can also interact dangerously with other substances, such as alcohol or depressants, potentially leading to coma or other life-threatening outcomes.
Long-term use of PCP can result in persistent cognitive and psychological problems. These include memory loss, difficulty with speech and thought, anxiety, depression, and persistent psychosis, which may manifest as schizophrenia-like symptoms. These issues can persist for up to a year after drug cessation. PCP is highly addictive, leading to both psychological and physical dependence, characterized by intense cravings and compulsive drug-seeking behavior. Withdrawal symptoms upon cessation can include anxiety, fear, agitation, muscle twitching, and depression. Legally, PCP is classified as a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act, indicating a high potential for abuse and severe dependence.