How long does PCP stay in your system is a key concern for individuals undergoing drug testing or seeking to understand the drug’s elimination process. Phencyclidine (PCP), also known as Angel Dust, is a fat-soluble dissociative drug that lingers in the body longer than many other substances. Its half-life averages 21 hours, but because it accumulates in fat tissues, the clearance process can extend to 72 hours. According to Dr. Robin MacGregor, MD, the drug can take up to 17 days to fully leave the body, depending on metabolism, dosage, and frequency of use.

PCP Half-Life and Elimination

The half-life of PCP, which refers to the time it takes for half of the drug to be metabolized and eliminated, averages 21 hours. However, PCP’s fat-soluble nature allows it to persist in the body longer, especially in individuals with higher body fat percentages. Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), explains that fat-soluble drugs like PCP pose unique challenges to the body’s natural elimination processes, leading to prolonged detection windows. Complete elimination may vary from 1.5 to 17 days, influenced by individual metabolism and health conditions.

How Long Does PCP Stay in Your Urine?

Urine tests are commonly used to detect PCP. The drug becomes detectable in urine approximately 4–6 hours after use and remains traceable for up to 7–14 days in frequent users. Occasional users may have shorter detection windows, typically less than a week. According to Dr. Marilyn Huestis, acidic urine can accelerate PCP excretion, thereby reducing its detectability in urine tests.

How Long Does PCP Stay in Your Blood?

PCP has a shorter detection window in blood tests compared to other methods. It is typically detectable in the bloodstream for 1–4 hours after use. Blood tests are primarily used in emergency settings or legal investigations to confirm recent consumption. Advanced testing methods can identify metabolites of PCP, slightly extending the detection window in specific cases.

How Long Does PCP Stay in Your Saliva?

Saliva tests can detect PCP within minutes of use, with traces remaining for up to 3 days. This non-invasive method is frequently used for workplace or roadside drug screenings to confirm recent drug use. Factors such as hydration levels and frequency of use may influence detection times in saliva.

How Long Does PCP Stay in Your Hair?

Hair follicle testing provides the longest detection window for PCP. The drug can be detected in hair samples 5–10 days after use and remains traceable for up to 90 days. This method is typically employed in cases where long-term or chronic drug use needs to be assessed, though it is less common due to its higher cost and longer processing time.

Factors Influencing PCP Detection Times

Several factors determine how long PCP stays in your system:

Frequency and Dosage: Regular or high-dose use prolongs the retention of PCP in the body.
Metabolic Rate: Faster metabolisms eliminate PCP more quickly than slower metabolisms.
Body Composition: Higher body fat percentages can lead to longer retention of fat-soluble drugs like PCP.
Urine Acidity: Acidic urine accelerates the excretion process, reducing detection times.
Polydrug Use: Combining PCP with other substances, such as alcohol or stimulants, can extend its elimination timeline.

How Long Do the Effects of PCP Last?

The duration of PCP’s effects depends on the dosage and method of administration:

Smoking: Effects begin within 2–5 minutes and may last for 4–6 hours.
Ingesting: Effects typically begin within 30–60 minutes and can last for up to 8 hours.

According to Dr. Anna Lembke, a Stanford University psychiatrist and author of Dopamine Nation, residual effects, such as mild euphoria or detachment, may persist for up to 48 hours. High doses can lead to severe side effects, including hallucinations and catatonic states, which may mimic symptoms of schizophrenia.