Frequently Asked Questions

Phencyclidine – more popularly known as PCP – and its analogs fall under dissociative drugs. Though initially developed to be an anesthetic, this drug is hazardous and classified as a DEA Schedule II drug.

Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse but also have accepted medical uses, so they must be controlled in limited quantities. When PCP was first developed, it was designed to be an anesthetic. It has no approved medical uses today, but it is still listed in Schedule II (21 CFR 1308.12(e)).

Drug Details – What Is PCP?

A dissociative anesthetic, PCP, puts the user in a trance-like sedated state. While the user may not lose consciousness, they will feel detached from reality, their environment, and their body.

The History of PCP

In the 1950s, researchers developed PCP to create a new intravenous anesthetic. However, the resulting drug caused several side effects, including delirium, hallucinations, and manic episodes. As a result, by the 1960s, PCP research was discontinued, and Ketamine was developed as a potential replacement.

Ketamine is considered safe for human use and a Schedule III controlled substance. PCP, on the other hand, is a Schedule II substance. When pure, PCP is a white crystalline powder that can easily dissolve in liquids. However, most PCP found on the street today contain contaminants that will cause the drug to take on a gummy consistency and be yellow or dark brown.

Illicit PCP and its analogs can be swallowed, injected, or smoked in many forms. These include tablets, capsules, or powders, and there is a liquid form. To smoke it, users typically spray liquid PCP over marijuana, tobacco, oregano, parsley, or mint, wait for the leaves to dry, and then smoke them.

Street Names for PCP and PCP Analogs

A lot of people refer to PCP by its abbreviation, but there are also a few different slang terms for the drug and its analogs, including:

• Angel dust
• Hog
• Love boat
• Boat
• Peace Pill
• Wack
• Ozone
• Green Kryptonite

Side Effects of Using PCP and Its Analogs

Some of the most common side effects associated with using PCP and its analogs include:

• Slurred speech
• Numbness, especially in the extremities
• Rapid, involuntary movement of the eyes
• Memory loss
• Depression
• Weight loss
• Drooling
• Blurred vision
• Depressed respiration
• Increased blood pressure
• Seizures
• Coma

Some of these symptoms may only appear when PCP is in use, but some can persist for up to a year after it was taken. With extended use of the drug and its analogs, you can expect to experience more of these adverse side effects.

What Does the High From PCP Feel Like?

Getting high on PCP will usually initially make the user feel detached from their body and their surroundings. After this initial dissociation, they may experience slurred speech and loss of coordination, often combined with a feeling of invincibility.

A PCP overdose is usually accompanied by depressed respiration and seizures and may result in a coma or death. This is more common with users who have been getting high on PCP for an extended time, but someone who does not know how much to take could also overdose the first time they try it.

Methamphetamine is a Dangerous Drug

Also called crystal methamphetamine, or simply crystal meth, methamphetamine is a fairly recent discovery in the world of illegal recreational drugs. As a DEA Schedule II drug, it is recognized that methamphetamine has medical uses, but it also carries a very high risk of abuse and addiction. In this overview, we will discuss the historical background of methamphetamine and where it came from, as well as other details about the drug, its most common street names, side effects associated with it, and what users feel when they abuse it.

The Historical Background of Methamphetamine

While amphetamine was first synthesized in the late 19^th century, it was not until 1919 that crystal methamphetamine was first created in Japan. Because of its crystalline structure, methamphetamine was soluble in water, making it an ideal drug for injection.

Methamphetamine use gained popularity, and both the Axis and Allies prescribed it to their troops to keep them awake and alert on the battlefield. The Japanese were especially known for giving it to their Kamikaze pilots, but after the war they made it available to the general public in their country, as well.

After World War II, while Japan was experiencing an epidemic of methamphetamine abuse by injection, in the United States, methamphetamine was prescribed as a weight loss aid. Likewise, college students were using it to stay awake to study, and it gained popularity with athletes and long-haul truck drivers, too.

It was not until the 1970s that methamphetamine use became illegal for almost all purposes. Since then, however, thanks to outlaw motorcycle clubs in the US and Mexican drug cartels, there are now massive labs cooking methamphetamine and distributing it across the US on a daily basis.

Details – What Is Methamphetamine?

When encountered on the street, methamphetamine is usually found as a white crystalline powder that has no odor but has a bitter taste. Users may get high by snorting, smoking, or injecting it. While injection is the fastest delivery system, smoking and snorting are also highly effective and can get the drug to the brain very quickly, where it releases dopamine, giving the user a feeling of extreme pleasure.

Street Names for Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is often referred to on the street as:

• Crystal meth
• Ice
• Meth
• Crystal
• Glass
• Speed
• Crank
• Fire
• Stove Top
• Cristy
• Biker’s Coffee
• Hot Ice

Side Effects of Using Methamphetamine

Like other Schedule II drugs, methamphetamine has a number of dangerous side effects, including but not limited to:

• Psychosis
• Paranoia
• Memory loss
• Violent behavior
• Extreme weight loss
• Extreme mood swings
• Increased heart rate and/or blood pressure
• Permanent change in brain structure and/or function
• Hallucinations
• Physical dependency

Like any other intravenous drug, users who choose to inject methamphetamine also run a higher risk of contracting a blood-borne disease, such as HIV, Hepatitis, and others.

What Does the High From Methamphetamine Feel Like?

So what does it feel like to get high on methamphetamine? Basically, dopamine is closely linked to the brain’s reward center. The natural release of dopamine makes you feel good as a reward for doing something good for your mental or physical health, such as exercise. When a user takes methamphetamine, their brain will be flooded with dopamine, and they will feel a heightened sense of euphoria while the stimulant makes them feel more awake and alert than usual at the same time.

Especially with extended use, though, a methamphetamine high can include dramatic mood swings, sweating, itching, and scratching or picking at actual or perceived sores on the skin. Repeated use will lead to addiction and dependency.

Methamphetamine is increasingly becoming an issue for the American people. Becoming a certified DOT supervisor helps to ensure that methamphetamine is not present in many industries that are vital to the country. Contact us today at Learn Laws® to get started on your DOT certification training.

When most people think of anabolic steroids, they think of bodybuilders and weightlifters attempting to gain strength and mass. Do you know what anabolic steroids actually are, though? And do you know how they can be used, misused, and abused?

As a DEA Schedule III substance, anabolic steroids have known and accepted medical uses and they have relatively low-risk levels for abuse and/or dependency. Other drugs besides anabolic steroids on this schedule include ketamine, products with fewer than 90 mg of codeine, and others. Basically, if you have a prescription for anabolic steroids and you are in possession of no more than the prescribed, proper amount of the drug, you will be in no danger of criminal charges. However, there are ways in which people illegally abuse anabolic steroids every day.

Drug Details – What Are Anabolic Steroids?

The actual proper term for anabolic steroids is “anabolic-androgenic steroids.” These are variations that are synthesized to mimic testosterone, the male sex hormone. As far as what anabolic steroids do, the term “anabolic” refers to muscle growth, while the term “androgenic” refers to an increase in male sex traits.

Anabolic steroids are often prescribed by physicians and other healthcare providers to treat a number of conditions, including hormonal deficiencies or imbalances, muscle loss, and others. Those who abuse anabolic steroids generally do so to boost their performance in their sport or career or to gain a more muscular physique.

A Brief History of Anabolic Steroids

In terms of scheduled drugs, anabolic steroids are relatively new. In the 1930s, scientists synthesized male sex hormones to help men produce more of the hormone to achieve normal growth and development.

A few years later, scientists discovered that malnourished soldiers fighting in World War II could gain weight and improve their endurance and performance when given these synthetic hormones. After this discovery, athletes began using synthesized testosterone as performance-enhancing drugs leading up to competitions.

After observing the Soviet athletes’ vastly improved performance in the 1956 Olympic Games, Dr. John Bosley Ziegler, an American physician, created a more focused and selective type of synthetic hormone, and anabolic steroids as we know them today were born. From then until the early 1970s, steroid use went unchecked, and not just for Olympic athletes. Professionals and even high school athletes were using them, as well. However, in 1975, the IOC (International Olympic Committee) banned steroid use for all athletes.

This, of course, did not stop black-market steroid sales. Steroid use was still so popular that the US Congress was forced to pass the Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990, which, among other things, made anabolic steroids a DEA Schedule III substance.

Street Names for Anabolic Steroids

Some prevalent street names for anabolic steroids include:

• Juice
• Pumpers
• ‘Roids
• Gym Candy
• Steroids

Market names for these drugs include:

• Oxandrin
• Depo-Testosterone
• Anadrol
• Durabolin
• Equipoise

Side Effects of Using Anabolic Steroids

Just a few of the potentially harmful side effects of anabolic steroids are:

• Shrunken testicles
• Testicular cancer
• Low sperm count
• Breast growth
• Infertility
• Sexual dysfunction
• Aggressive or violent behavior (often called “roid rage”)
• Male-pattern baldness (in both men and women)
• Changes in menstrual cycle
• Stunted bone growth (for developing teens)

What Does the High From Anabolic Steroids Feel Like?

Unlike other scheduled substances, there is not a “high” that goes with taking anabolic steroids. Those who abuse steroids generally enjoy faster recovery after hard training sessions and more muscle growth and development in less time.

Dextromethorphan – more commonly called DXM – is an FDA approved substance that is the active ingredient in most over-the-counter cough medicines. When taken according to the instructions on the label, it is considered safe and effective for suppressing coughs and allowing those suffering from congestion to get some rest and relief. Some users take DXM in excess, though, and this can be highly dangerous.

Drug Details – What Is DXM?

DXM is the main ingredient to suppress coughing in most over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. Like ketamine and PCP, it falls in the category of dissociative anesthetics. This makes it highly effective in small doses, giving an anesthetic effect to calm a persistent cough and relaxing the user so that they can rest and recover.

Unlike other drugs, DXM has only one known delivery system – swallowing. Those looking to abuse the drug may buy it as cough medicine and ignore the recommended dosage. It is also available in pure powder form, which is most often found on the Internet or on the street.

Another thing that sets DXM apart from other illicit drugs is that the DEA does not schedule it. However, some cough medicines (those with “less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters”) are DEA Schedule V drugs. Thus, some medicines containing DXM may be scheduled, although DXM is not. In most cases, though, DXM is used as a substitute for codeine in cough medicine, so most Schedule V cough suppressants do not contain DXM.

A Brief History of DXM

DXM was first synthesized and used in cough medicine in the 1950s. As we mentioned a moment ago, it was first developed to replace codeine in these drugs, as there had been a rise in the abuse of cough medicines containing codeine. There was no known abuse of DXM for a few years, but by the 1960s, there had been some reports of abuse.

DXM abuse did not become widespread until the late 1990s. At that time and since then, most users seem to be adolescents seeking an easily accessible high. DXM is inexpensive, readily available, and unscheduled, making it potentially the easiest mind-altering substance for teens to get their hands on.

When you think of illicit drugs or drugs that people are likely to abuse, you may not immediately think of glue, paint thinners, or whipped cream dispensers. However, these products all fall under the category of inhalants. This overview will explore in more detail what inhalants are, how and why they are abused, their background, and more.

Drug Details – What Are Inhalants?

While a number of different illicit drugs can be snorted or inhaled, the term inhalants specifically refer to a variety of otherwise legal substances that are almost exclusively abused by inhaling them. These include solvents, aerosols, nitrites, gasses, and others. In general, inhalants were not created to be consumed as drugs (or at all), and so they are not typically considered drugs or controlled substances. However, when purposefully inhaled, these products become dangerous drugs.

So how and why do people abuse inhalants? Essentially, many of the normal products you will find around your home or office contain ingredients that have mind-altering qualities. Typically, teens, children, and others looking for an easily accessible, the inexpensive high will abuse inhalants like markers, spray paint, adhesives, and others.

A Brief History of Inhalants

Believe it or not, inhalants go much further back in history than the invention of aerosol cans and permanent markers. There is some evidence that people in India, China, Egypt, and throughout the Middle East inhaled a number of different types of gas vapors to achieve an altered state. In fact, there is a common theory that the Oracle of Delphi priestesses gained their visions from getting high inhaling psychoactive substances.

In the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries, ether, nitrous oxide, and chloroform were all popular anesthetics. Noting the altered state that nitrous oxide-induced, Sir Humphry Davy, a British scientist, touted nitrous oxide as an inexpensive alternative to alcohol and coined the term “laughing gas”.

It wasn’t until the 1940s that many people in the US began recreationally inhaling solvents and other household inhalants. That trend has continued and is still prevalent today.

Street Names for Inhalants

Some of the most common street names for solvents include:

• Laughing gas
• Poppers
• Whippets
• Snappers

The practice of abusing inhalants is often called huffing, and some of the most commonly abused chemicals include amyl nitrite and toluene, in addition to nitrous oxide.

Side Effects of Using Inhalants

Using inhalants can produce a number of different negative side effects, including but not limited to:

• Loss of coordination
• Slurred speech
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Delusions
• Addiction
• Nausea and vomiting
• Liver and/or kidney damage
• Damage to bone marrow
• Impaired hearing
• Impaired memory
• Limb spasms
• Permanent brain damage

In addition to the psychoactive effects of huffing certain chemicals, inhalants also get users high by depriving their brains of oxygen. Too much oxygen deprivation can not only lead to permanent brain damage but may actually be fatal.

What Does the High From Inhalants Feel Like?

The high from inhalants is short-lived. Huffing from a spray paint can or whipped cream dispenser can result in about 30 seconds to a minute of feeling high. That high usually does not come with hallucinations, but the user may feel a full-body buzz, and sound and sight may be distorted. In most cases, users will not just huff a product once or twice but continue to inhale repeatedly each time the high wears off.

Because inhalants are found in households, offices, and workplaces across the country and have perfectly legal and reasonable uses, the DEA does not schedule them. However, they should still be considered highly dangerous.

Mescaline is an Ancient Hallucinogen

Perhaps one of the oldest hallucinogens in the world, there is evidence of mescaline (also known as peyote, the cactus from which mescaline is derived) use dating back as far as 4000 BCE. It was not always used for its hallucinogenic properties, though, as peyote actually does have some antiseptic qualities, as well. Despite this, today, mescaline is listed with the DEA’s Schedule I drugs, meaning that it has no recognized medical uses and poses a high risk for abuse and dependency.

Details – What Is Mescaline?

The peyote cactus grows in hot, arid climates and is indigenous to central Mexico, the southwestern regions of Texas, and some other areas in the southwestern United States. Mescaline is derived from the disc-shaped “buttons” that grow on the crown of the plant. These are harvested and dried, after which they may be chewed or they can be made into a tea.

A dose of mescaline is usually between 0.3 and 0.5 grams, and at about 0.1 gram of mescaline per gram of dried peyote, users will take between three and five grams of peyote to get high. This high will generally last for about 12 hours, during which the user can expect a number of intense visual hallucinations.

Also, though many users prefer “natural” mescaline, the drug may also be synthesized and will have the same effects when taken in powder form. This drug may be taken by ingestion or smoking.

The Historical Background of Mescaline

As we mentioned earlier, peyote (mescaline) is one of the oldest known psychedelic drugs in the world. Ancient Aztecs considered it a magical substance and used it in a number of religious and spiritual rituals. It was also used to treat various illnesses, and to communicate with the dead.

Because Native American people have used peyote for thousands of years in their rituals, in 1918, when their right to use the drug was threatened, they formed the Native American Church. In 1990, the US Supreme Court held in Employment Division v. Smith that the First Amendment did not protect this ceremonial use from state drug laws. Congress responded with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act Amendments of 1994, which make the use of peyote by Indians for bona fide traditional ceremonial purposes lawful under federal and state law (42 U.S.C. 1996a).

Street Names for Mescaline

There are a few different street names for mescaline, including:

• Peyote
• Buttons
• Cactus
• Mesc(s)
• Big Chief
• Mescalito
• Topi
• Mescal
• Tops

When mescaline is combined with MDMA, it is called “snackies”.

Side Effects of Using Mescaline

Some of the most common side effects of using mescaline include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• Increased blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Headache
• Muscle weakness
• Impulsive behavior
• Mood swings
• Tremors

Though it is not physically addictive, mescaline can be psychologically addictive, and prolonged use can result in permanently altered brain chemistry and physical and mental health problems. In most cases, vomiting and/or diarrhea result from the body’s reaction to the cactus, not specifically to the mescaline.

What Does the High From Mescaline Feel Like?

The high from mescaline can be compared with the high from LSD and other strong mood-altering hallucinogens. However, unlike many of these other substances, mescaline high can last up to 12 hours, and the effects of the high can continue for even longer. Hallucinations can be mild or intense and may last for several hours. Moods can change quickly, and a good trip can become a nightmare in minutes.

As a Schedule I drug, mescaline possession and/or distribution can come with serious criminal charges and extensive prison time. This drug may have been used for thousands of years, but that does not make it less dangerous to your mental or physical health.

Perhaps one of the most infamous drugs on the streets today, heroin is a DEA Schedule I substance. It has “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” An opioid, heroin, is highly addictive and can be extremely detrimental to a user’s mental and physical health. This overview should give you a complete understanding of heroin, where it comes from, what it is, and other important information about the substance and its use.

The Historical Background of Heroin

Heroin’s historical background is a bit convoluted, as it begins with opium, derived from opium poppies and used as far back as 3400 BCE by Persians and Egyptians. Its pain-relieving qualities were recognized in Europe and the United States in the 18^th century, but physicians soon discovered just how addictive opium was.

To try to get the pain-relieving qualities of the substance without the detrimental effects, researchers synthesized morphine and codeine from opium in the early 19^th century. Unfortunately, morphine proved to be just as addictive as opium, and by the mid-19^th century, physicians were looking to synthesize a substance that would not be as addictive, and that would help morphine abusers get off the drug.

While it has no accepted medical value today, heroin was first synthesized in 1874 by a chemist in England to stop morphine abuse. Unfortunately, it, too, was found to be highly addictive, and users moved from abusing morphine to abusing heroin.

Details – How Is Heroin Used?

Heroin can be used in a number of ways, including:

• Snorting
• Smoking
• Injection

Though injection is the most direct route, both snorting and smoking heroin will also deliver the substance to the brain very quickly. This fast delivery time, and the instant gratification that goes along with it, is believed to be a major factor in heroin’s high addiction risk and its incredible health risks.

Street Names for Heroin

Some of the most common street names you will hear for heroin include:

• Horse
• Smack
• H
• Skag
• White horse
• China white
• Dope
• Brown sugar
• Mud
• Junk

Side Effects of Using Heroin

Heroin has numerous side effects and damaging effects on the body and brain. Some of the most common acute, temporary side effects include:

• Drowsiness and/or sedation
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Coordination impairment
• Confusion
• Breathing problems

Other health risks include:

• Constipation
• Cardiovascular problems
• Contracting hepatitis, HIV, and other bloodborne pathogens
• Addiction
• Overdose

When heroin travels through the bloodstream to the brain, the body converts it back into morphine, and the brain’s opioid receptors take it up. Heroin use affects the brain dramatically, as these receptors are also linked to the brain’s pain and reward perception centers.

An overdose of heroin will almost always result in the depression of the body’s breathing functions, causing the user to stop breathing, or causing their breathing to slow dramatically. Even a non-fatal heroin overdose can result in long-term effects, such as brain damage or coma.

What Does the High From Heroin Feel Like?

Heroin users report having a state of complete euphoria and relaxation. Some have hallucinations, but most report that the experience is very tactile. The sense of touch is far more intense, but many users will nod off and dream for most of the experience.

Though the high of heroin is very intense and pleasurable to most users, it is important to keep in mind just how dangerous this drug is. Heroin is one of the deadliest of all Schedule I substances and should not be used recreationally.

Opium is Highly Addictive

Like heroin, opium is an opioid, but while heroin is a DEA Schedule I drug, opium appears lower on the list, as a Schedule II, III, and V drug. It is highly addictive, and users report that it has a very intense high. Suppose there was ever an argument against “natural” drugs being better and healthier than synthetic drugs. In that case, that argument is opium, as it is very dangerous and can lead to a number of serious physical and mental health problems. In this overview, we will walk you through opium’s background, what it is, how it works, and other details, such as street names and side effects. With this information, you should better understand exactly how dangerous opium is.

The Historical Background of Opium

Opium has played a prominent role throughout history across the world. The earliest recorded use of opium is from 3400 BCE, in southwest Asia by the Sumerians, who derived it from the opium poppy. There, it was called “Hul Gil”, which meant “joy plant.” Traveling Sumerians introduced Assyrians to the drug, and they, in turn, introduced it to the Egyptians. Its popularity continued to spread throughout Asia and Europe. Thanks to the Silk Road, opium was a constant factor all over Europe by the 19^th century.

Details – What Is Opium?

So how is opium made, and what exactly is it? To create opium, manufacturers take unripe seed pods from opium poppies (Papaver somniferum) and slit them open. The sap from the pods then seeps out, dries, and hardens into yellowish-brown latex. This latex, which is then scraped from the pods, is opium.

It may be surprising to some that opium is not a Schedule I drug, but because morphine and codeine can be derived from it, it does have some recognized medical uses. Why would it be added to multiple schedules, though? Essentially, the amount of opium a person is holding will determine whether a drug is Schedule II, III, or V. Thus, it is possible to have a very small amount of opium (e.g., codeine or morphine) on one’s person legally, as in the case of prescription narcotics.

Street Names for Opium

Opium is not as popular as heroin, so it does not have as many street names. However, you may hear opium referred to as any of the following:

• Black stuff
• Laudanum
• Block
• Hop
• Big O
• Paregoric
• Gum

Side Effects of Using Opium

Many of the side effects of using opium are similar to those of heroin use. Common short- and long-term side effects include:

• Drowsiness and/or sedation
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Exhaustion
• Respiratory depression
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Seizures
• Memory problems
• Paranoia
• Insomnia
• Itching
• Delusions
• Poorer mental health
• Coma
• Death

Also, because opium is highly addictive, if a user becomes addicted, they will also experience a number of withdrawal symptoms, including many of the side effects listed above and others.

What Does the High From Opium Feel Like?

The high from opium is very similar to heroin and other opioids. Users generally feel a sense of deep euphoria and relaxation. The sense of touch is often heightened, but other senses may be dulled or otherwise affected, and response times are slowed.

Though opium is not a Schedule I drug, it is still very addictive and dangerous, and misuse and abuse of opium can lead to serious physical and mental problems. Many people with opium addictions become addicted while using prescription pain medication, so it is essential to seek help if you believe that you may be gaining a dependency on opium or any other opioids.

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic and was first developed in 1959 and introduced in the 1960s as an intravenous anesthetic.

It is legally manufactured and distributed in the United States. Licit fentanyl pharmaceutical products are diverted via theft, fraudulent prescriptions, and illicit distribution by patients, physicians, and pharmacists. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), most fentanyl on the illicit market comes from clandestine manufacturing (DEA Fentanyl Drug Fact Sheet, December 2025).

Final data from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics show 79,384 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2024. Of these, 47,735 involved synthetic opioids other than methadone, a category that includes fentanyl, fentanyl analogs and tramadol. That was down from 72,776 in 2023 (NCHS Data Brief No. 549, January 2026).

What are the common street names?

• Apache
• China Girl
• China Town
• Dance Fever
• Friend
• Goodfellas
• Great Bear
• He-Man
• Jackpot
• King Ivory
• Murder 8
• Tango & Cash

What does it look like?

The FDA Orange Book currently lists two types of fentanyl prescription products as marketed in the United States: transdermal patches and injectable fentanyl citrate, including Sublimaze (FDA Orange Book). Clandestinely produced fentanyl is encountered either as a powder or in counterfeit tablets and is sold alone or in combination with other drugs such as heroin or cocaine.

How is it abused?

Fentanyl can be injected, snorted/sniffed, smoked, taken orally by pill or tablet, and spiked onto blotter paper. Fentanyl patches are abused by removing their gel contents and then injecting or ingesting these contents. Patches have also been frozen, cut into pieces, and placed under the tongue or in the cheek cavity. Illicitly produced fentanyl is sold alone or in combination with heroin and other substances and has been identified in counterfeit pills, mimicking pharmaceutical drugs such as oxycodone. DEA reports that fentanyl identifications reported to its National Forensic Laboratory Information System peaked in 2023 at over 182,000 and fell to over 152,000 in 2024 (DEA Fentanyl Drug Fact Sheet).

What is the effect on the body?

Fentanyl, similar to other commonly used opioid analgesics (e.g., morphine), produces effects such as relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory depression.

What are the overdose effects?

Overdose may result in stupor, changes in pupillary size, cold and clammy skin, cyanosis, coma, and respiratory failure leading to death. The presence of triad of symptoms such as coma, pinpoint pupils, and respiratory depression are strongly suggestive of opioid poisoning.

Which drugs cause similar effects?

Drugs that cause similar effects include other opioids such as morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, methadone, and heroin.

What is the legal status under the federal Controlled Substances Act?

Fentanyl is a Schedule II narcotic under the United States Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (21 CFR 1308.12).

Is fentanyl part of DOT drug testing?

HHS added fentanyl to the authorized drug testing panels for federal workplace programs in a notice published January 16, 2025, which took effect July 7, 2025. Fentanyl was added to both the urine and oral fluid panels, and its metabolite norfentanyl was added to the urine panel (90 FR 4662).

DOT testing follows its own rule in 49 CFR Part 40, so the HHS change did not by itself add fentanyl to DOT tests. On September 2, 2025, DOT published a proposed rule to add fentanyl and norfentanyl to the Part 40 drug testing panel, and the comment period closed October 17, 2025 (90 FR 42363).

As of October 2026, DOT has not published a final rule, and the Unified Agenda lists the final rule date as to be determined (RIN 2105-AF26). Fentanyl is not yet part of the DOT drug testing panel, and DOT-regulated employers continue to test for the drug classes listed in 49 CFR 40.82 until a final rule takes effect.

Official Sources

• 90 FR 4662 (Federal Register)
• 90 FR 42363 (Federal Register)
• Unified Agenda, RIN 2105-AF26 (reginfo.gov)
• 49 CFR 40.82 (eCFR)
• 21 CFR 1308.12 (eCFR)

Marijuana is a common drug in the US. Many states allow medical use, but marijuana remains illegal under federal law except for FDA-approved products and marijuana covered by a state medical marijuana license, which have been in Schedule III since April 28, 2026. It is also one of the country's most commonly used recreational drugs. To give you a more in-depth understanding of marijuana, in this overview, we will briefly cover the historical background, details (such as uses, etc.), street names, and potential side effects of marijuana use.

Background of the Substance

According to historical documents and other evidence, marijuana has been used for over 2000 years, with the earliest use in China and India. It is believed that the first recorded references to marijuana or cannabis use were in the writings of Shen Nung, the Chinese emperor, in 2737 BCE.

Details – What Is Marijuana?

But what exactly is Marijuana? First, most marijuana is a DEA Schedule I drug under the category of cannabinoids. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, cannabis, “which some people call marijuana, refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa L plant.” When smoked or eaten, marijuana provides a high due to its THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) content.

Schedule I drugs include substances or chemicals “with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” Other examples of DEA Schedule I drugs, besides marijuana, include but are not limited to peyote, heroin, LSD, and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (also known as ecstasy).

Though there has been a large movement to prove that cannabinoids have valid medical uses, only part of that effort has succeeded. On April 28, 2026, FDA-approved marijuana products and marijuana covered by a state medical marijuana license moved to Schedule III. A broader hearing on moving all marijuana to Schedule III was paused on September 29, 2026. See Has the DEA Rescheduled Marijuana?

Street Names for Marijuana

Of course, not everyone who uses or sells marijuana will refer to it by its proper name. Some of the most common street names for marijuana include, but are not limited to:

• Dope
• Ganja
• Weed
• Herb
• Mary Jane
• Pot
• Green
• Trees
• Green trees
• Skunk
• Bud
• Reefer

Because marijuana is often smoked, you may also hear other terms about it, such as:

• Joint – A marijuana cigarette
• Blunt – A cigar or cigarillo rolled with a combination of marijuana and tobacco
• Bong – A water pipe used for smoking marijuana
• Pipe – A pipe (usually glass) made for smoking marijuana

Side Effects of Using Marijuana

Smoking marijuana is the fastest and most effective means to get THC into the bloodstream. Your blood will then carry the THC to your brain and other organs. Because your brain naturally produces chemicals like THC, it has receptors that will react to the presence of THC in your bloodstream, causing you to feel high.

Some short-term side effects of smoking marijuana include:

• Changes in mood
• Lethargy
• Changes in sense perception
• Impaired memory and/or problem-solving skills
• Increased hunger

Long-term side effects of using marijuana can include prolonged memory impairment and/or decreased intellectual capacity, especially if the user begins smoking in their teens before their brain has fully developed. Other long-term side effects include:

• Breathing problems
• Cardiovascular problems
• Decreased life satisfaction
• Poorer mental and/or physical health

What Does the High from Marijuana Feel Like?

Most users report a feeling of euphoria when smoking or eating marijuana. Some will have hallucinations, while others will have somewhat altered senses for a period lasting between a few minutes and a few hours. Users generally have slower reaction times to stimuli and feel more relaxed and at peace when high.

While many people believe that the recreational use of marijuana is harmless, you can see from this overview that it has several side effects. Outside state medical programs and FDA-approved products, it is still a Schedule I substance under federal law.

A powerful stimulant, amphetamine, is a DEA Schedule II drug. Though it has some recognized and accepted medical uses, it also has a high risk of abuse and addiction. This overview will discuss the history and background behind amphetamine and details about the drug, its street names, side effects, and what an amphetamine high feels like.

Amphetamine’s Historical Background

Chemist Lazar Edeleanu first synthesized amphetamine in 1887. At this time, Edeleanu, his colleagues, and others did not take note of the drug’s stimulant effects. However, by the 1930s, the medical world had discovered that amphetamine could be used as a respiratory stimulant. It was first marketed under the brand name Benzedrine to relieve nasal congestion.

Throughout the early and mid-twentieth century, amphetamine was recommended for nasal congestion and as a hangover cure and to treat depression, hyperactivity, and narcolepsy. It was also prescribed to help reduce weight, as well.

As it grew in popularity and doctors claimed that it posed no significant risk for addiction, new amphetamines were developed for oral and intravenous use. Thus, methamphetamine was derived, as well as others. Throughout World War II, it was often prescribed to soldiers and military personnel to improve alertness and to increase endurance.

As users discovered that intravenous amphetamine use could create a euphoric high, more and more people began to misuse and abuse the drug, starting in the 1960s and moving into the 1970s. As the decades have worn on, though law enforcement agencies attempt to quell amphetamine abuse, it continues to be prevalent today.

Details About Amphetamines

Amphetamines are stimulants that specifically affect the central nervous system. As you can see from their history, amphetamines have been used for many things. They still have some accepted medical uses, such as ADHD treatment, asthma medications, etc. However, when used recreationally, amphetamines can be highly addictive and dangerous.

In most cases, amphetamine is found in powder form, though it can also be found in pill form. Users will swallow, snort, or inject it to get high, depending on their preferred delivery system.

Street Names for Amphetamine

You will often not hear amphetamine referred to by its proper name on the street. Instead, you may hear other street names, like:

• Bennies or Benzies
• Crosses
• Truck Drivers
• LA Turnaround
• Uppers
• Speed
• Footballs
• Lid Poppers
• Poppers
• Wake-Ups
• Black Beauties
• Hearts

Side Effects of Using Amphetamine

Some of the most common side effects of amphetamine include, but are not limited to:

• Weight loss
• Increased heart rate and/or blood pressure
• Stroke
• Excessive sweating
• Teeth grinding
• Dilated pupils
• Dry mouth
• Itching
• Scratching or picking at skin
• Twitching

In addition, snorting amphetamine can result in a deviated septum or other damage to the nasal passage. If a user shares needles when injecting amphetamine, they may also run the risk of contracting several bloodborne pathogens, including HIV, hepatitis, and tetanus.

What Does the High From Amphetamine Feel Like?

Because amphetamines are stimulants, the high with any amphetamine will generally include increased energy and alertness. Users typically feel more talkative, energetic, and happy, but their moods may be unstable. During the high, a user may feel happy one moment but then have a drastic mood swing that leads to a feeling of anxiety, paranoia, or depression the next.

While amphetamine does have some known medical uses, it is important to understand that taking too much or taking amphetamine in any way not prescribed by your doctor can result in major problems for your physical and mental health.

MDMA is Becoming Increasingly Popular

When used legally, ketamine is an anesthetic for both humans and animals. It is marketed for human medicine as Ketalar, and esketamine (Spravato), a related nasal spray, was approved by the FDA in 2019 for treatment-resistant depression. Because it has legal, accepted medical uses, ketamine is a DEA Schedule III drug. Schedule III drugs have a potential for abuse less than Schedule I or II drugs, and abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence (21 U.S.C. 812(b)(3)).

Details – What Is Ketamine, and What Does It Do?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic. This means it creates a feeling of dissociation (detachment) from the user’s environment by distorting their perception of sound and sight. Users can inject, snort, or swallow the drug.

It is sometimes used as a date rape drug, which can easily dissolve in a beverage. Typically, when someone is dosed with ketamine, they will feel detached and may have difficulty moving or struggling, making it an attractive tool for attackers.

Ketamine’s Background

Ketamine was first synthesized in 1962 and intended to be a replacement anesthetic for PCP. Whereas PCP had a long list of negative, lasting side effects, ketamine was supposed to be a safer alternative. When human testing began two years later, researchers found that ketamine had at least mild hallucinogenic effects. Those side effects were so mild compared to preceding drugs, though, that it was determined that ketamine would be safe for human use.

It was not until the 1970s that ketamine became popular for recreational use. The DEA placed ketamine in Schedule III in 1999. It has been considered a controlled substance ever since.

Street Names for Ketamine

If you hear dealers and users talking about ketamine, they may use its actual name in some instances, but in most cases, you will hear other slang terms, such as:

• Vitamin K
• Special K
• Cat Valium
• K
• Super C
• Super Acid

The two most prevalent brand names for ketamine are Ketalar and Ketalar SV.

Side Effects of Using Ketamine

Some of the most common side effects of using ketamine include nausea, vomiting, and/or loss of appetite. Others may include:

• Drowsiness
• Sedation
• Increased heart rate and/or blood pressure
• Disorientation
• Confusion
• Muscle weakness
• Respiratory Depression
• Death (due to overdose)

Some users have reported psychotropic effects as well, such as hallucinations. Overdosing on ketamine could result in a coma or brain damage.

What Does the High From Ketamine Feel Like?

So what is it like to be on ketamine? Between two and five minutes after ingesting or snorting ketamine, the user will have a sudden high that usually lasts for about an hour. If the user decides to inject the drug, they can expect the high to be even faster, taking only about 30 seconds to begin.

In most cases, the user will first feel completely relaxed. Some have reported feeling like they were floating, while others felt a “full-body buzz.” This is where the dissociative nature of the drug comes in, as users will generally feel detached from their bodies or environments.

If the user takes a higher dose, they typically see at least mild hallucinations, which may last beyond the high. Some users describe falling into a “K-hole” because they feel completely detached from their bodies as if they have an out-of-body or near-death experience.

Taking ketamine recreationally is dangerous and illegal. Using it to exploit or sexually assault someone else is illegal, dangerous, and immoral. Ketamine is legal only for lawful medical or veterinary use, such as under a valid prescription. Recreational use or possession without a prescription could result in a prison sentence.

Flunitrazepam – better known by its market name, Rohypnol – is also known as the date rape drug. While most people associate this drug with illegal uses and taking advantage of others, it does have some known medical uses and can be used in small, safe doses. Thus, it is classified by the DEA as a Schedule IV drug. It has a low risk for abuse or addiction, but because it does have some illegal uses, it is still monitored above Schedule V drugs.

Details – What Is Flunitrazepam?

Flunitrazepam is, according to the University of Maryland’s Center for Substance Abuse Research, “A central nervous system depressant in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.” These drugs are sedative-hypnotics, and they are used for a variety of purposes, including treatment of:

• Sleep disorders
• Seizures
• Anxiety
• Insomnia

In lower doses, flunitrazepam and other sedative-hypnotics can be used as muscle relaxers. In higher doses, they are generally used for sedation. It should be noted, though, that flunitrazepam is significantly more powerful than Valium, and it has never been approved for prescription or over-the-counter use or sale in the US.

Thus, in this country, flunitrazepam is almost only found as a street drug sold in pill form as round white tablets. These pills are tasteless and odorless, and they easily and quickly dissolve in liquid.

In almost all cases, people do not use flunitrazepam willingly. Rather, it is slipped into a drink or otherwise given to them unknowingly. Most of the time, they will then lose consciousness and will not have any memory of anything that happened leading up to or after taking the drug.

Flunitrazepam’s Background Abroad and in the US

Because it is legally prescribed in other countries and because it has gained a reputation in facilitating sexual assault, manufacturers have changed the appearance and makeup of the pills. Newer Rohypnol tablets are now oblong, green, and when they dissolve in the liquid, they change its color to blue. This makes them much more easily detectable.

Also, while flunitrazepam is only a Schedule IV drug, under the Drug-Induced Rape Prevention Act, the penalties for trafficking can be as severe as those for Schedule I, II, or III drugs (respectively, depending on quantity).

Street Names for Flunitrazepam

Common street names for flunitrazepam include:

• Rohypnol
• Roach
• Roche
• R2
• Mexican Valium
• Forget-Me Pill
• Rope
• Rophies
• Roofinol

Side Effects of Using Flunitrazepam

In addition to memory loss, the side effects of taking this drug also include:

• Muscle weakness
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Unconsciousness
• Difficulty breathing
• Blurred vision
• Confusion

What Does the High From Flunitrazepam Feel Like?

In most cases, there is no appreciable high from taking flunitrazepam. People who take it themselves will usually take it to forget painful or anxiety-inducing experiences such as surgery or a prolonged dental visit. People who give it to an unknowing victim are hoping that the victim will be disoriented and weak and that they will either lose consciousness completely or have no memory of any of the occurrences after giving them the pill.

It is important to remember that, even if you have Rohypnol for personal use and it is technically a Schedule IV drug, the consequences could be very severe if you have obtained it illegally. Depending on how much of the drug you have on your person, you could be convicted for attempting to traffic a Schedule I substance, which is on the same level as attempting to traffic heroin or LSD. The DEA takes date rape drugs very seriously.

Salvia Divinorum Explained

A member of the mint family, salvia divinorum is native to the Sierra Mazateca Mountains of Mexico. In its indigenous region, native people have been using it as a tool for healing and religious rituals for many centuries. It has been likened to marijuana in that it has a psychoactive element that can produce mild to intense hallucinogenic effects.

Unlike marijuana, though, it has not yet been classified under any of the DEA’s drug schedules, though it has been imported to the US and is being grown in a few places around the country. In this overview, we will discuss a few details about this drug, what it is, and its history, as well as street names to help identify it and other information.

Drug Details – What Is Salvia Divinorum?

As we mentioned a moment ago, salvia divinorum is a member of the mint family. It also contains salvinorin A, a chemical that alters the user’s brain chemistry temporarily, causing them to hallucinate. The federal government has not yet made a decision on the legality of salvia, but due to its potentially intense hallucinogenic properties, the DEA has added it to the list of drugs of concern as a potential risk to the public. Also, some states have passed local laws banning its use.

Salvia can be used in a few different ways:

• Drying and smoking the leaves, as with marijuana.
• Chewing fresh salvia leaves.
• Vaporizing dried leaves and inhaling the vapor.
• Crushing the leaves and mixing them into a beverage.

A Brief History of Salvia

Though salvia divinorum has been used by indigenous people for centuries, the earliest recorded use was in 1938 by Jean B. Johnson, who had heard that Mazatecs were using the leaves of the plant in a tea to induce visions. Johnson and his father-in-law recorded the tea preparation, and in 1962 psychedelics researcher Albert Hofmann and R. Gordon Wasson experimented with it. Hofmann called it “a less desirable substitution” for tea made with psilocybin mushrooms.

Not much research was done with the plant beyond that until 2002 when it was discovered that it actually reacts with the brain’s kappa opiate receptor (KOR) site, which regulates human perception.

Street Names for Salvia Divinorum

Salvia divinorum is most commonly referred to as:

• Shepherdess’ Herb
• Salvia
• Magic Mint
• Sally-D
• Diviner’s Sage
• Diviner’s Mint
• Sister Salvia
• Lady Salvia

Side Effects of Using Salvia Divinorum

Some of the side effects of salvia that concern the DEA and other governmental entities include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Loss of coordination
• Slowed heart rate
• Lowered blood pressure
• Chills
• Awkward speech patterns
• Slurred speech

Although it has apparently been in use by indigenous people in Mexico for hundreds of years, there is not yet enough data to determine whether or not prolonged use of salvia will have any negative physical or mental health effects.

What Does the High From Salvia Feel Like?

Upon smoking or chewing salvia, users report having intense hallucinations in which they feel as though they are floating, flying, spinning, or even traveling through time and space. Users who ingest salvia by eating it or drinking it in a beverage have milder hallucinations, as the digestive system breaks down the active ingredient and any exposure to the salvinorin A happens in the mouth and esophagus.

Whatever the method of ingesting the drug, it seems that visual hallucinations caused by salvia can be ended by interrupting them with light and noise.

Though salvia is technically legal in much of the United States, that may not be the case for much longer. The DEA will continue to research this drug to determine if it is a risk to the public and/or if it should be placed in one of their drug schedules.

Just a few years ago, many people thought that cocaine had seen its heyday and would be virtually gone from the streets forever. However, over the past years, cocaine has seen a massive resurgence all over the United States. Though it is not as dangerous as heroin, LSD, and other DEA Schedule I substances, cocaine falls just beneath them as a Schedule II drug. This overview should give you a thorough understanding of this all too prevalent drug, where it comes from, and how it affects its users.

The Historical Background of Cocaine

Cocaine derives from the leaves of the coca bush (Erythroxylon), and is primarily found in South America. People have been consuming these leaves for a number of reasons for at least 5,000 years. Some of the uses for coca leaves throughout history have been:

• Appetite suppressant
• Energy boost
• Fatigue relief
• Pain relief

It was not until 1860, though, that Albert Niemann would isolate the drug itself. Then, within the next 20 years after Niemann’s achievement, it gained usefulness as an anesthetic in a number of types of surgery for the eyes, nose, and throat. Not only was it good as an anesthetic, though, but it also decreased bleeding, as it constricted the patient’s blood vessels.

Coca leaves and cocaine gained so much popularity in beverages and other products, though, that the Harrison Narcotic Act of 1914 was necessary to ban cocaine importation for any reason other than medical or pharmaceutical uses.

This, of course, did not stop illegal cocaine trafficking, which only gained speed with the Controlled Substance Act of 1970. This further regulated pharmaceutical amphetamines, driving recreational drug users to a more available substance – cocaine. Then, with the advent of crack cocaine in the 1980s, cocaine, gained even more popularity on the streets.

Details – What Is Cocaine?

You know that cocaine was derived from coca leaves, but what is it? And what does it do? Cocaine is a very powerful stimulant. When sold on the streets, it comes in the form of a fine white powder. To keep their profit margins up, dealers may “cut” their cocaine by mixing it with baby powder, flour, cornstarch, or other substances. They may also mix it with other, cheaper stimulants to keep their customers from noticing the difference.

Most often, users will get high on cocaine by snorting it. However, it may also be smoked (as in the case of crack cocaine), or it may also be injected.

Street Names for Cocaine

Some of the most common street names for cocaine in powder form include:

• Coke
• Flake
• Snow
• Toot
• Blow
• C
• Candy
• Charlie

A small amount of cocaine, usually snorted off of a key, is called a bump, and you may hear people referring to cocaine use as “doing a bump” or “going skiing.”

In the case of crack cocaine, you may also hear it referred to as:

• Crack
• Rock(s)
• Sleet
• Ball
• Scrabble
• Raw

Side Effects of Using Cocaine

Some of the most common side effects of cocaine include but are not limited to:

• Anxiety
• Increased heart rate and/or blood pressure
• Muscle spasms, tremors, and/or twitches
• Restlessness
• Nausea

A cocaine overdose can be fatal, but, in many cases, users will experience negative side effects and health problems due not only to the cocaine but also to whatever substances may have been mixed with it.

What Does the High From Cocaine Feel Like?

During a cocaine high, a user will usually feel a sense of extreme happiness, and they will feel highly energized and alert. They may also be hypersensitive to sounds, touch, or sight, and they may grow irritable or paranoid, especially with extended use.

Because they are “natural”, many people believe that psilocybin mushrooms are automatically safer than LSD and other synthesized hallucinogens. We could name any number of things that are natural (poison ivy, for example) that you would not want to put in your system, but even without this argument, psilocybin is a DEA Schedule I drug. This means that the FDA recognizes no medical use for it, and it bears a high risk level for abuse and/or dependency.

Drug Details – What Is Psilocybin?

Basically, psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical found in specific mushrooms that grow in subtropical and tropical regions of the US, Mexico, Central America, and South America. One mushroom, according to the National Drug Intelligence Center, usually contains two types of hallucinogen – 0.2-0.4% psilocybin and trace amounts of psilocin. Though both of these substances can be synthesized, there is no major evidence that this is happening with any significant regularity.

To get high off of psilocybin, users will take fresh or dried mushrooms orally. Because the mushrooms have a bitter taste, most users will cook or mix them with other foods, brew them into a tea, or make them into candies.

The Historical Background of Psilocybin

Use of psilocybin mushrooms dates back at least 3000 years, with art and sculptures representing mushroom caps in religious rituals for indigenous people throughout North and South America appearing as early as 1500 BCE.

While many people believe that “sacred mushrooms” played a large part in the religious ceremonies of the Aztecs and Mayans, there is a lot of controversy surrounding this claim. While it is likely that the drug was used in at least some ceremonies and that people from these cultures likely ingested it by accident and/or for recreational purposes, some historians believe that this is as far as mushroom use went and that these fungi were not nearly as “sacred” as many believe.

Modern use of psilocybin began when scientist R. Gordon Wasson was traveling through Mexico studying mushrooms in the 1950s. After participating in a religious ceremony with some Mazatec people in the Oaxaca region of Mexico, he experienced the high and wrote an article titled “Seeking the Magic Mushroom” for Life Magazine in 1957.

Thanks to Wasson’s findings, Albert Hofmann (who first synthesized LSD) was able to identify and isolate the active ingredients, psilocybin and psilocin. Beyond Hofmann’s work, Timothy Leary became intrigued with the drug, and from there it went mainstream with more and more people “seeking the magic mushroom.”

Street Names for Psilocybin

Some of the most common street names you’ll hear referring to psilocybin are:

• Shrooms
• Magic Mushrooms
• Purple Passion
• Mushrooms
• Simple Simon
• God’s Flesh

When psilocybin is mixed and used with other drugs, it may also be called:

• Hippie Flip – mixing MDMA with psilocybin.
• Boomers – using psilocybin with LSD.
• Sherm – using psilocybin with PCP.

Side Effects of Using Psilocybin

Taking psilocybin can produce a number of negative side effects, including:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Anxiety
• Exacerbation of symptoms of mental illness
• Paranoia and fear
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of consciousness

What Does the High From Psilocybin Feel Like?

Many users describe the high from psilocybin mushrooms as very similar to that of doing mescaline or LSD. Users generally have moderate to intense visual hallucinations and may experience dramatic mood swings throughout the high. They may also be more likely to engage in impulsive behavior, not realizing the potential for danger at the moment.

Like LSD and mescaline, psilocybin is a Schedule I drug, meaning that the DEA considers it as dangerous as these other drugs, whether or not it is “natural”.

Like marijuana, hashish is a cannabinoid and a DEA Schedule I substance. It is very similar to marijuana, or cannabis, and thus its background and side effects often parallel those of marijuana. There are a few distinct differences, though, which is why we have compiled this overview of hashish, including its background and other important details

The Historical Background of Hashish

While marijuana first appeared in written text around the year 2737 BCE, hashish did not make an appearance until around the year 900 AD, when it became popular across what was then known as Arabia. In fact, it was so popular that it made an appearance in the famed One Thousand and One Arabian Nights.

Interestingly enough, the word “assassin” comes from the Arabic word for hashish users, as hashish was believed to be used by a group known as the Assassins in that area. Whether or not this was true, it is likely that we have none other than Marco Polo to thank for the modern use of the term hashish, as he was the one who brought the legend of hashish assassins back to Europe with him around 1300.

Details – What Is Hashish?

While you likely already know that hashish is derived from the same Cannabis sativa plant as marijuana, you may not know the differences that make it a unique substance. So what is hashish?

Hashish is made by extracting, compressing, and/or purifying the tops of the flowers of the cannabis plant. The flowers contain trichomes, which have the highest THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content of the entire plant. Because THC is the chemical that produces any cannabinoid’s high, hashish is usually much more potent than marijuana and other cannabinoids.

To get high with hashish, users will almost always either smoke it or consume it. To smoke hashish, a water pipe (called a hookah) is almost always used, though it may also be rolled with tobacco into a blunt. When eaten, it is usually cooked into baked goods, such as cookies, brownies, or butter.

It is important to note that, though many people view hashish and marijuana as mild drugs, hashish is generally a Schedule I drug with the DEA. Not every cannabinoid is Schedule I. Hemp, as defined in federal law, is excluded from the definition of marijuana, some FDA-approved cannabinoid drugs are in other schedules, and since April 28, 2026, marijuana covered by a state medical marijuana license is in Schedule III. Schedule I drugs are believed to have a high potential for abuse, and they have no known (or accepted) medical value or use. Federal penalties depend on the drug and the amount involved, and Schedule I and II drugs carry the highest federal penalty ranges.

Street Names for Hashish

When referring to hashish on the street, most people will refer to it as one of the following:

• Hash
• Gangster
• Hemp
• Hash oil
• Boom
• Ganja
• Dope
• Weed

Side Effects of Using Hashish

When a user smokes or eats hashish, THC enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain, where receptors for THC-like chemicals that the body produces will naturally pick it up and affect the way the user feels. Some of the most common side effects of using hashish include, but are not limited to:

• Increased heart rate
• Respiratory issues (frequent coughing, infections, etc.)
• Increased anxiety
• Impaired memory
• Decline in mental health

What Does the High From Hashish Feel Like?

Hashish users report a feeling of temporary euphoria and relaxation. Some may also have hallucinations, though these are typically milder than those associated with harder drugs, like LSD. Reaction times are typically slowed, and the user generally feels very lethargic.

With this overview, you should better understand what hashish is and how it affects the human brain and body. Understand that, as a Schedule I drug, hashish is illegal, and possession may result in serious criminal charges.

A DEA Schedule I drug, GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) is often used recreationally or as a date rape drug. While flunitrazepam (better known as Rohypnol) is perhaps the most well-known date rape drug, GHB is also often used because it puts the user into a deep sleep for a period of about four hours during which they cannot be awakened and will not resist.

What Is GHB – and Why Do People Use It?

Because it has very similar results to other sedative-hypnotics like Rohypnol, you may wonder why people would use GHB themselves. Basically, while it puts the user in a sleep state for a period of around four hours, it also builds the body’s dopamine levels. When the body is ready to awaken after the drug-induced sleep, that dopamine is released, giving the user a happy and euphoric feeling upon waking.

Some bodybuilders and weightlifters have also been known to use GHB, as it is believed to help build muscle and burn fat, due to protein synthesis in the sleep state.

For the most part, though, GHB is known as a date rape drug, and it is popular as such because it is easily found in clear liquid form and is not detectable when slipped into a beverage.

The Historical Background of GHB

GHB was first synthesized in 1960, and throughout that decade it was a popular anesthetic throughout the medical world. Doctors found, though, that it had a very poor pain relieving effect, and so they stopped using it as an anesthetic and began recommending it as a narcolepsy treatment. Sodium oxybate (Xyrem), a form of GHB, was later approved by the FDA to treat cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy.

It was not until 1990 that the FDA finally declared GHB unsafe for human consumption. It took another 10 years for the drug to become a DEA Schedule I substance. FDA-approved GHB products are in Schedule III (21 CFR 1308.13(c)). Outside those products, GHB has a number of potentially dangerous outcomes for use and carries with it the same criminal consequences as heroin and other Schedule I drugs.

Street Names for GHB

Some of the most popular street names for GHB include, but are not limited to:

• Grievous Bodily Harm
• G
• Georgia Home Boy
• Liquid X
• Liquid Ecstasy
• Soap
• Goop
• Scoop
• Easy Lay
• G-Juice
• Great Hormones
• Bedtime Scoop
• Gamma 10
• Somatomax

Side Effects of Using GHB

Some of the acute effects of using GHB, even just one time, include:

• Sedation
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Disorientation
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures

An overdose on GHB can also result in a prolonged coma or death. Extended drug use increases the likelihood of experiencing some or all of these side effects. And, as the body builds a tolerance to the drug, an overdose is more and more likely.

What Does the High From GHB Feel Like?

Because taking GHB almost always results in a heavy sleep state, most people do not take it recreationally. Rather, they use it as a tool for sexual assault or to otherwise take advantage of a victim.

Those who do take GHB recreationally report that after about four hours of sleep, they wake up feeling euphoric and alert. They feel as though they can take on anything, which is one of the reasons that bodybuilders and weightlifters have been known to use GHB – it may help build muscle, and it makes it easier to get up go train, even after a very difficult session the day before.

Remember, GHB is a DEA Schedule I drug, meaning that it has serious legal consequences, even without the potential negative mental and physical side effects.

Recreational marijuana refers to the use of cannabis for personal enjoyment rather than for medical purposes. The term is used to differentiate between medical marijuana (used for therapeutic reasons and often recommended or certified by a health care provider) and marijuana consumed for leisure or recreational reasons. Over the past several years, the perception and legal status of marijuana has shifted in many parts of the world, leading to its legalization for recreational use in a growing number of countries and U.S. states.

Some key aspects of recreational marijuana include:

1. Legalization: While recreational marijuana use is legal in some jurisdictions, it remains illegal in many places. Even in regions where it is legal, there are often regulations concerning age restrictions, purchase limits, taxation, licensing of sellers, and where it can be consumed.

2. Varieties: Like with medical marijuana, recreational marijuana can come in various strains and forms, such as flowers (or buds), edibles (foods infused with THC or CBD), tinctures, topicals, and concentrates (like hash, shatter, or oils).

3. THC and CBD: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana, responsible for the "high" users feel. CBD (cannabidiol), on the other hand, doesn't produce a high and is often associated with therapeutic benefits. Recreational users might choose strains based on THC content, flavor, or other effects.

4. Health and Social Implications: The recreational use of marijuana has both proponents and opponents. Proponents argue for individual rights, potential economic benefits from taxation, and the idea that regulation can reduce the harms of black-market activity. Opponents often express concerns about public health, the potential for increased substance abuse, and societal impacts, especially among younger users.

5. Impact on Medical Marijuana: In places where recreational marijuana has been legalized, there can be an impact on the medical marijuana industry. Some patients might opt to buy cannabis without a medical certification, while others continue to rely on medical strains tailored to their needs.

6. Driving and Usage: One of the significant concerns with recreational marijuana legalization is impaired driving. Most jurisdictions with legal recreational cannabis have laws against driving under the influence of marijuana, similar to alcohol.

It's important to be aware of and respect both local and federal laws regarding marijuana use, possession, and distribution. While several U.S. states have passed laws legalizing marijuana for recreational or medicinal use, recreational marijuana remains illegal under federal law. Since April 28, 2026, only FDA-approved products and marijuana covered by a state medical marijuana license are in Schedule III. This discrepancy can lead to situations where individuals or businesses acting in compliance with state law may still face federal legal penalties. For example, federal agencies, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), can technically arrest and prosecute individuals in states where marijuana is legal. Additionally, activities related to marijuana, like banking transactions and interstate commerce, can face challenges given the federal prohibition. Penalties for violating federal drug laws can be severe, including hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences.

As a result, even in places where state laws permit the cultivation, sale, and use of marijuana, there's an inherent risk due to the potential for federal enforcement. This has led to a complicated legal landscape, where businesses and individuals must navigate a patchwork of state regulations while remaining vulnerable to federal intervention. It underscores the importance of being well-informed about both local and national laws and the potential consequences associated with marijuana activities.

This situation has led to numerous debates and calls for changes to federal law to align with the changing attitudes and regulations at the state level. However, until any such change occurs, the discrepancy remains a significant point of contention and complexity.

Yes, in part. On April 28, 2026, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) moved two groups of marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act: FDA-approved drug products that contain marijuana, and marijuana covered by a state medical marijuana license.

All other marijuana, including adult-use (recreational) marijuana, remains in Schedule I. A broader hearing on moving all marijuana to Schedule III began on June 29, 2026, and was paused on September 29, 2026.

For decades, the federal stance on marijuana remained relatively fixed, which makes the 2026 order a notable shift.

Historical Context: How We Got Here

The Controlled Substances Act and Schedule I Classification

In 1970, Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), establishing a framework for regulating drugs based on their medical utility and abuse potential. Marijuana was classified as a Schedule I substance, the most restrictive category, alongside heroin and LSD. This designation indicated that marijuana was considered to have:

• A high potential for abuse,
• No accepted medical use in treatment, and
• A lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.

This classification has remained controversial for over 50 years, as research has emerged suggesting the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in treating conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and nausea from chemotherapy.

The Fight for Rescheduling

Since the 1970s, advocates have pushed for marijuana to be removed or rescheduled within the CSA. Key milestones include:

• 1972 NORML Petition: The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) filed a petition to reschedule marijuana. After years of litigation, the DEA denied the petition in 1992, finding that marijuana lacked a "currently accepted medical use." A federal appeals court upheld the denial in 1994.
• 1996 State Legalization Efforts: California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana with Proposition 215. Over the next two decades, dozens of states followed suit, creating a patchwork of state laws inconsistent with federal policy.
• 2002 Coalition for Rescheduling Cannabis Petition: This petition brought renewed attention to marijuana's status, but the DEA denied it in 2011, finding no currently accepted medical use. The DEA denied two more rescheduling petitions in 2016.
• Public and Scientific Shifts: By the late 2010s, public opinion had dramatically shifted. A Pew Research Center survey in 2021 found that 91% of Americans supported either medical or complete legalization of marijuana. Simultaneously, research began to challenge earlier views about marijuana and its medical efficacy.

In October 2022, President Biden called on the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Attorney General to review marijuana. This marked a significant turning point, as the HHS subsequently recommended rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III in 2023. This recommendation acknowledged that:

• Marijuana has an accepted medical use,
• Its potential for abuse is lower than Schedule I or II drugs, and
• Its abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence.

In May 2024, the Department of Justice proposed a rule to move marijuana to Schedule III.

What Changed in 2025 and 2026

The hearing planned for early 2025 did not produce a decision. As of December 2025, the 2024 proposed rule was still awaiting an administrative law hearing.

On December 18, 2025, Executive Order 14370 directed the Attorney General to complete the rulemaking to move marijuana to Schedule III as quickly as federal law allows.

On April 28, 2026, the DEA issued a final order (91 FR 22714), effective that day. It placed FDA-approved marijuana products and marijuana covered by a state medical marijuana license in Schedule III (21 CFR 1308.13(g)).

An expedited hearing on moving all marijuana to Schedule III ran from June 29 through July 15, 2026. On September 29, 2026, the DEA’s administrative law judge stayed the case while considering a request to add a new report to the record. As of October 20, 2026, the stay remained in place and no final decision on broader rescheduling had been issued.

Rescheduling marijuana has significant implications for professionals in workplace compliance, healthcare, and law enforcement. Continuing education is essential for adapting to these changes and ensuring the effective implementation of policies.

Implications for Employers

With part of the change already in effect, employers and professionals in fields related to workplace safety and regulatory compliance may need to reevaluate their current policies. For example:

• DOT Testing: DOT drug testing rules did not change. Marijuana is still on the DOT test panel (49 CFR 40.82). On May 15, 2026, DOT issued an official Part 40 Q&A on what a Medical Review Officer may not consider when verifying a marijuana positive. See this FAQ on MRO review.
• Policy Revisions: Employers rely on federal schedules to guide their internal substance policies. Altering marijuana policies may prompt employers to update their testing protocols, clarify permissible use under medical guidelines, and ensure adherence to state and federal regulations.
• Interpreting Conflicting Standards: Many states have already introduced varying degrees of legalized marijuana use, creating a complex compliance environment. If federal rules shift, organizations may need to reconcile previously conflicting positions, ensuring that workplace policies align with evolving requirements.
• Staying Informed: As studies on marijuana and applications continue, professionals engaged in compliance, human resources, and legal guidance must remain knowledgeable about changes. A comprehensive understanding will help them address new challenges as the regulatory landscape evolves.
• Professional Education: Marijuana's rescheduling underscores the need for ongoing education for legal and compliance professionals. Staying updated on regulations, science, and policies ensures lawful, informed workplace practices. Regular training and certifications help professionals who maintain employ drug-free workplaces or perform drug testing adapt and provide practical guidance in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Does rescheduling change DOT drug testing?

Rescheduling does not by itself change DOT drug testing. Marijuana metabolites are on the DOT urine panel in 49 CFR 40.85, and the DOT panel is set in 49 CFR Part 40. Most marijuana remains in Schedule I (21 CFR 1308.11). Marijuana in an FDA-approved drug product or subject to a state medical marijuana license has been in Schedule III since April 28, 2026 (21 CFR 1308.13(g)).

What Lies Ahead?

The remaining question is whether all marijuana will move to Schedule III. That depends on the outcome of the paused hearing and a final DEA order. In each scenario, the implications extend beyond law enforcement. They touch upon how employers manage personnel, how medical professionals advise patients, and how the public interprets marijuana use's benefits and potential drawbacks.

In the coming months, stakeholders, from corporate counsel to the human resources team, would be well advised to monitor these developments. As events unfold, the ability to adapt policies and practices to reflect updated federal guidelines will prove essential. The 2026 order marks a turning point and serves as a reminder that what was once considered settled law may now be subject to reconsideration in an evolving regulatory climate.

The DEA drug schedules are the five categories of controlled substances created by the Controlled Substances Act. A substance is placed in a schedule based on findings about its potential for abuse, whether it has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and its dependence or safety profile (21 U.S.C. 812). DEA publishes the lists in 21 CFR 1308.11 through 1308.15.

• Schedule I. High potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Examples include heroin, LSD, MDMA, psilocybin, mescaline, and marihuana (21 CFR 1308.11).
• Schedule II. High potential for abuse and a currently accepted medical use, including use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Examples include coca leaves and cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, fentanyl, and opium (21 CFR 1308.12).
• Schedule III. Lower potential for abuse than Schedules I and II and a currently accepted medical use. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. Examples include ketamine and FDA-approved drug products containing GHB (21 CFR 1308.13).
• Schedule IV. Low potential for abuse relative to Schedule III and a currently accepted medical use, with limited dependence relative to Schedule III. Flunitrazepam is listed here (21 CFR 1308.14).
• Schedule V. Low potential for abuse relative to Schedule IV and a currently accepted medical use, with limited dependence relative to Schedule IV. Examples include certain preparations with limited amounts of codeine combined with non-narcotic active medicinal ingredients (21 CFR 1308.15).

A substance can appear in more than one schedule depending on its form, as with GHB and, since April 2026, marijuana. GHB is in Schedule I, while an FDA-approved drug product containing it is in Schedule III. Some substances, such as dextromethorphan (DXM) and salvia divinorum, do not appear in the federal schedules.

Marijuana outside the categories described below remains in Schedule I (21 CFR 1308.11). A final rule effective April 28, 2026 placed marijuana, marijuana extract, and naturally derived delta-9-THC in Schedule III when they are in an FDA-approved drug product or subject to a state medical marijuana license (91 FR 22714, 21 CFR 1308.13(g)). The broader proposal to move marijuana as a whole to Schedule III, first published in May 2024 (89 FR 44597), went to a new DEA hearing beginning June 29, 2026 (91 FR 22777). No final rule on that broader proposal appeared in the Federal Register through October 25, 2026. The marijuana rescheduling process does not change workplace test panels on its own. DOT lists the drugs and cutoff levels for its urine tests separately in 49 CFR 40.85.