Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Which drug can commonly be found in products like vanilla extract?

1. Heroin

2. PCP

3. Marijuana

4. Cocaine

The correct answer is: PCP

The correct answer is PCP, which refers to phencyclidine, a powerful and illicit hallucinogenic drug. Although vanilla extract is primarily used for flavoring and contains alcohol as its main component, it is possible for individuals to misuse products like vanilla extract to extract the alcohol for intoxication purposes. However, it is important to clarify that while PCP is not typically found in vanilla extract, the mention of products like vanilla extract in the context of drug misuse may lead to the association with substances that can be hidden or misused in common household items. The other drugs listed—heroin, marijuana, and cocaine—do not have a legitimate presence in vanilla extract. Heroin is an opiate derived from morphine, marijuana is a plant-based drug, and cocaine is a stimulant derived from coca leaves. These substances have distinct legal and chemical properties that are entirely separate from the compounds in vanilla extract. Ultimately, the association with PCP in the context of the question highlights the potential for misuse of everyday products while also unveiling misconceptions about what substances might be found in pure flavor extracts.