What Kind of Drug Is It?

Designer drugs are illicit (unlawful) and dangerous substances made in illegal labs. It is against the law to make, possess, sell, or use them. The designer drugs discussed here include 2C-B (nexus), ecstasy (MDMA), GHB, ketamine, methamphetamine, and PCP (phencyclidine). (Separate entries on each of these drugs with more in-depth information are available in this encyclopedia.)

Overview

Designer drugs were deliberately created by underground chemists to get around the laws set forth in the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970. The CSA called for the federal regulation of certain drugs. Under the terms of the act, all federally regulated substances must be categorized into one of five schedules. These schedules are based on a substance's medicinal value, possible harmfulness, and potential for abuse and addiction.

Schedule I is reserved for the most dangerous drugs that have no recognized medical...