Final answer:
PCP exerts its hallucinogenic effects mainly by antagonizing the NMDA glutamate receptors, leading to profound alterations in perception and mood.
Step-by-step explanation:
Phencyclidine (PCP), commonly known as angel dust, exerts its hallucinogenic effects primarily by acting as an antagonist at NMDA glutamate receptors. This action disrupts communication between neurotransmitter systems throughout the brain and spinal cord, affecting numerous processes including mood, sensory perception, sleep, and muscle control. Unlike classic hallucinogens such as LSD, which are serotonin agonists, PCP is part of the category of dissociative drugs that cause profound distortions in a person's perception of reality. These drugs can lead to vivid hallucinations and significant emotional swings.