Ketamine
Slang
K, mean, vitamin K.
Description
It is an anaesthetic with stimulant and psychedelic properties. Legally produced ketamine comes in liquid form which is injected. The illegally produced version usually comes as a grainy white powder which is snorted or bought as a tablet. Some tablets have motifs and logos making it difficult to distinguish from ecstasy.
At higher doses (200mg and over) the user will often experience hallucinations, similar to LSD, and a typical out-of-of-body or detached experience. This is often followed by numbness, often in the limbs, and strange muscle movements. Users may also feel sick or throw up.
Paraphernalia / what to look out for
- Powder, tablets, small phials of liquid.
Possible short-term indicators
- Users may feel euphoria, depersonalisation, confusion, stimulation and hallucinations.
- Physical sensations may include nausea, vomiting, slurring of speech, lack of co-ordination and numbness.
Possible longer-term indicators
- There is little evidence in relation to the long-term effects of ketamine use.
- Tolerance can develop quickly, but not physical dependence.
- Some people may develop psychological dependence.
Harm reduction
- See general suggestions.
Legal status
Ketamine is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, so possession is not an offence.
It is classed as a medicine, so manufacture and distribution without official permission is an offence under the Medicines Act.