The following information was compiled in August 2024 and is subject to change as new research is conducted and as new information becomes available:

Description: 3-Methyl-PCP is a novel synthetic hallucinogen with structural similarity to other arylcyclohexylamines (e.g., ketamine, PCP). 3-Methyl PCP was synthesized in the 1960’s along with other arylcyclohexylamines for the evaluation of their efficacy as central nervous system depressants.1  3-Methyl-PCP was first identified in the United States in February 2024 by our laboratory and confirmed in April 2024 after acquiring standard reference material.

Sample Source: Lehigh Valley Health Network (Allentown, PA)

Sample Appearance: White powder

Pharmacology: The activity and potency of 3-methyl-PCP is unknown; however, based on the structural similarity to 3-MeO-PCE and 3-HO-PCP, 3-methyl-PCP is assumed to have high affinity for the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, causing dissociative effects.2

Toxicology: 3-Methyl-PCP has been identified in one toxicology case to date at the CFSRE.

Drug Materials: 3-Methyl-PCP has been detected in one drug material to date at the CFSRE.

Demographics / Geographics: Toxicology cases and drug materials originated from Pennsylvania. 3-Methyl-PCP was detected alongside other hallucinogens (e.g., 2F-2oxo-PCE and deoxymethoxetamine).

Legal Status: 3-Methyl-PCP is not currently scheduled in the United States.

Class: Hallucinogen
 Appearance: White powder
 Formula: C18H27N
 MW: 257.4  [M+]: 257  [M+H]+: 258.2216
 IUPAC: 1-[1-(m-tolyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine
 Report Date: August 22, 2024