What is 'Hop'? Clarifying a Dangerous Street Term
The term 'hop' in the context of illicit drugs can be misleading. While historically it has been used as slang for narcotics like opium, its modern street usage most often refers to a combination product rather than a single substance [1.3.1]. 'Hop' is typically marijuana, tobacco, mint, or parsley that has been soaked in or laced with phencyclidine, more commonly known as PCP [1.6.4, 1.8.2]. Other street names for this combination include 'supergrass,' 'killer joints,' 'wet,' 'fry,' and 'shermans' [1.3.2, 1.5.3]. The extreme danger of 'hop' lies in its unpredictability; a user often has no idea how much PCP has been applied to the smokable material, leading to a high risk of overdose [1.5.1].
The Core Ingredient: Understanding Phencyclidine (PCP)
PCP, with the chemical name 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl) piperidine, was first developed in the 1950s as an intravenous anesthetic [1.6.1, 1.5.1]. However, it was discontinued for human medical use in 1965 due to its severe postoperative side effects, which included psychosis, agitation, and dysphoria [1.5.1, 1.8.6]. It saw brief use as a veterinary tranquilizer before its legitimate production ceased entirely [1.8.2].
Today, PCP is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, signifying a high potential for abuse that can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence [1.8.1, 1.8.3]. It is illegally manufactured in clandestine labs and sold as a white crystalline powder, a liquid, or in tablet form [1.5.1, 1.8.2].
Pharmacology: How PCP Affects the Brain
PCP is classified as a dissociative anesthetic [1.6.1]. Its primary mechanism of action is as an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist [1.5.2, 1.5.3]. In simple terms, it blocks the activity of glutamate, a crucial neurotransmitter involved in pain perception, emotion, learning, and memory [1.6.1, 1.5.1]. By disrupting glutamate's function, PCP creates a sense of detachment, distorting a user's perceptions of sight and sound and producing feelings of separation from their environment and themselves [1.6.1]. Additionally, PCP indirectly impacts dopamine levels, which contributes to its euphoric and addictive properties [1.5.3, 1.6.1].
The Immediate Dangers: Short-Term Effects
The effects of smoking 'hop' begin within 2 to 5 minutes and can last from 4 to 8 hours [1.6.1, 1.5.1]. The experience is highly dose-dependent and unpredictable.
Low to moderate doses can cause:
- A sense of euphoria, relaxation, and detachment [1.6.6]
- Numbness in the hands and feet [1.6.1]
- Slurred speech, loss of coordination, and an unsteady gait [1.5.1, 1.6.2]
- Distorted sensory perceptions and body image [1.6.1]
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature [1.6.1]
- Rapid, involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) [1.7.1]
High doses can lead to severe and life-threatening symptoms:
- Intense hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia [1.6.4]
- Extreme agitation, aggression, and violent behavior [1.7.2]
- Feelings of superhuman strength and invulnerability [1.5.1]
- Amnesia, catatonia, seizures, and coma [1.7.1, 1.5.3]
- Severe muscle spasms and rigidity [1.6.1, 1.7.2]
- Kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) [1.7.2, 1.7.4]
Long-Term Consequences of Chronic Use
Repeated use of PCP, either alone or as 'hop,' can lead to devastating long-term consequences that may persist for a year or more after stopping the drug [1.6.1]. Chronic users often experience:
- Significant memory loss and cognitive difficulties [1.6.3]
- Persistent speech problems [1.6.4]
- Severe depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal [1.6.3]
- Suicidal thoughts [1.6.1]
- 'Flashbacks,' or hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), where they re-experience the drug's effects involuntarily [1.6.2, 1.7.4]
- Toxic psychosis, a mental state with symptoms that resemble schizophrenia [1.6.2]
Comparison Table: Hop vs. Marijuana vs. PCP
| Feature | Hop (PCP-laced Marijuana) | Marijuana (Cannabis) | PCP (Phencyclidine) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Dissociative Hallucinogen / Cannabinoid | Cannabinoid | Dissociative Hallucinogen [1.6.1, 1.6.4] |
| Primary Effects | Unpredictable; euphoria, detachment, hallucinations, paranoia, numbness [1.6.1, 1.6.6] | Euphoria, relaxation, altered sensory perception, increased appetite | Detachment, dissociation, hallucinations, numbness, confusion [1.6.1, 1.6.2] |
| Primary Risks | Violent psychosis, accidental injury, severe anxiety, overdose due to unknown dosage [1.5.1, 1.6.6] | Impaired coordination and judgment, anxiety, paranoia (in high doses) | Violent behavior, seizures, coma, respiratory arrest, long-term psychosis [1.5.1, 1.7.1] |
| Legal Status (US) | Illegal (contains Schedule II substance) [1.8.1] | Varies by state; Federally a Schedule I substance | Schedule II controlled substance [1.8.3] |
Conclusion: The Unpredictable Risk of a Laced Drug
The drug called 'hop' is a dangerous gamble. It combines the effects of marijuana or other herbs with the potent and erratic effects of PCP, a powerful dissociative drug. The amount and purity of the PCP are never known to the user, making every dose a potential overdose [1.5.1]. The risks range from severe psychological distress and violent outbursts to long-term cognitive damage, psychosis, and death. Its status as a Schedule II drug underscores its high potential for abuse and severe dependence [1.8.1].
For authoritative information on controlled substances, you can visit the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
