You might’ve heard someone mention “sherm” or talk about “smoking wet” and wondered what exactly that means. Maybe it came up in a conversation, on social media, or even in music—but no one really explained it.
The truth is, these are street names for a dangerous drug combination that can seriously affect someone’s mind and body. While it might sound like just another trend or slang term, it’s something that can lead to real harm.
In this article, we’ll explain sherm in simple terms: what sherm is, why people use it, what it does, and why it’s risky, especially in high doses. Let’s start by learning more about what sherm really is and why it’s not as harmless as it might seem.
What Is Sherm?
“Sherm” is a street name for a cigarette or joint that’s been dipped in liquid PCP (phencyclidine). PCP is a powerful and dangerous hallucinogenic drug, also known as angel dust. Sometimes, the cigarette might be soaked in embalming fluid instead—or even a mix of the two. Once it’s dried, people smoke it to get high. This practice is often called “smoking wet.”
The goal for many who smoke sherm is to experience a strong, long-lasting high that feels different from other drugs. What many don’t realize is that this high often comes with unpredictable and scary side effects because of its impact on the central nervous system and the entire body.
Smoking wet can lead to extreme behavior changes, scary hallucinations, and even dangerous physical reactions. Because these cigarettes are often made on the street, you never really know what’s in them or how strong the chemicals are.
Despite how casual or harmless the slang may sound, sherm is not safe. It’s not the same as smoking weed or a regular cigarette. It’s a mix of chemicals that can completely take over someone’s mind and body—even after just one use.
For some, it can lead to long-term addiction, violent outbursts, or even hospitalization.
What Does Sherm Do to Your Brain and Body?
Sherm affects both the brain and the body in serious and sometimes dangerous or even life-threatening ways.
In the short term, people who smoke it might feel confused, numb, or like they’re in a dream. They may hallucinate, see or hear things that aren’t real, or feel like time is moving in slow motion.
Some people become paranoid, thinking others are out to get them, while others may become aggressive or even violent. That’s because PCP changes the way the brain communicates with the rest of the body. It messes with brain chemicals that control mood, thinking, and movement. Instead of working like normal, the brain’s signals get scrambled.
That’s why someone on sherm may act in ways that seem completely out of character or scary. In some cases, it can cause seizures or make someone feel like a superhuman, which can lead to risky and dangerous behavior.
Physically, the body also experiences a lot. Sherm can increase heart rate and blood pressure, cause trouble breathing, and even lead to blackouts or loss of coordination. With long-term use, trying to stop can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Because the effects are so unpredictable, it’s hard to know how someone will react. One person might become quiet and numb, while another could become wildly aggressive.
Why People Smoke Wet
There are a lot of reasons someone might try smoking wet, and it’s not always what you’d expect. Some people do it out of curiosity, especially if they hear about it from friends or see it mentioned in music or movies.
Others may feel peer pressure to try it in a group setting, not fully understanding what it contains or how it might affect them.
For some, it’s a way to escape emotional pain, stress, or trauma—especially if they’re already struggling with their mental health or substance use.
The truth is, many people who try sherm don’t realize how dangerous it can be.
Because of the street names and casual language, it may not seem like a big deal. That said, smoking wet involves strong chemicals like PCP or embalming fluid, which can have serious and unpredictable effects on the brain and body.
Sometimes, people also mix sherm with other drugs like alcohol, marijuana, or pills. This can make the effects even more dangerous and increase the chances of a bad reaction.
Whether it’s used once or more often, sherm carries real risks that aren’t always obvious at first.
The Dangers of Smoking Sherm
Some people have bad trips that include intense fear, hallucinations, or outbursts of violent behavior, or may hurt themselves or others without realizing it. In extreme cases, smoking wet has even led to accidental deaths.
Over time, using sherm can lead to serious mental health problems. Regular use has been linked to memory loss, anxiety, paranoia, and even psychosis—a condition where someone experiences detachment from reality.
These symptoms can stick around long after the drug wears off, making everyday life hard to manage.
There’s also the risk of addiction. Even though some people only intend to try it once, they may find themselves going back for that same intense high. With each use, the side effects can get worse, and the damage to the brain can grow.
Another major concern is that you never really know what’s in a sherm stick. Street drugs are often mixed with other dangerous substances, and there’s no way to tell how strong it is or what chemicals were used.
Getting Help From An Addiction Treatment Program
Sherm might seem like just another street drug, but it’s far more dangerous than most people realize. It’s unpredictable, risky, and can seriously harm both your mind and body—even after just one use.
If you or someone you care about is smoking wet or struggling with substance abuse, it’s important to take it seriously and not wait for things to get worse.
You don’t have to handle it alone.
Reach out to PAX Memphis today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you or a loved one move toward a healthier, drug-free life. Recovery is possible—and it starts with one conversation.
References:
- Science Direct: Phencyclidine
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Phencyclidine Intoxication and Adverse Effects: A Clinical and Pharmacological Review of an Illicit Drug
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Phencyclidine