What Is the Origin of ketamine?

Ketamine is produced legally in a number of countries, including the United States. However, much of the ketamine that finds its way into the illegal market in the USA is diverted or stolen from legitimate sources  particularly veterinary clinics  or smuggled across the border from Mexico.

Distribution typically occurs through friend groups and acquaintances, frequently at raves, nightclubs, and private parties. Street sales of ketamine are relatively rare.

How Is ketamine Abused?

Ketamine, along with other “club drugs,” has become popular among teens and young adults who use it recreationally at dance clubs and raves.

Ketamine is manufactured commercially in both liquid and powder form. To produce a powdered form, the liquid is often evaporated using methods such as hot plates, warming trays, or microwaves.

Once in powder form, it can be snorted or pressed into pills; the liquid form may be injected directly or added to drinks.

What Are Common Street Names for Ketamine?

Some frequently used street names for ketamine include:

• Cat Tranquilizer
• Cat Valium
• Jet K
• Kit Kat
• Purple
• Special K
• Special La Coke
• Super Acid
• Super K
• Vitamin K

What Does it  Look Like?

Ketamine typically comes in two forms:

Liquid: A clear solution, often used for injection or adding to drinks.
Powder: A white or off-white crystalline powder.

Powdered ketamine (typically 100–200 milligrams) is frequently packaged in small glass vials, tiny plastic bags, capsules, or paper, glassine, or aluminum foil folds.

The powder form is commonly cut into small lines, called “bumps”, and then snorted, or it may be smoked — often by adding it to a joint with tobacco or cannabis. The liquid form may be injected directly or mixed into beverages.

Ketamine is sometimes found alongside, or in combination with, drugs like MDMA, amphetamine, methamphetamine, or cocaine.

What Are the  Effects of ketamine on the Mind?

Ketamine produces vivid hallucinations and profoundly distorts a person’s perception of sight and sound. It makes the user feel disconnected from their surroundings and a reduced sense of control.

Some people refer to a “Special K” trip as more desirable than LSD or PCP because its effects are shorter, typically lasting 30–60 minutes instead of several hours.

Slang terms associated with the effects of ketamine include:

• “K-land” — a mellow, colorful experience
• “K-hole” — an out-of-body, near-death experience
• “Baby food” — a state of blissful, infant-like inertia
• “God” — a feeling of having met a higher power

The onset of effects is typically rapid — within minutes — although taking it orally results in a slightly slower onset.

Some people may experience Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) weeks after use, causing unwanted effects that were present during the original experience.

Ketamine may also cause agitation, depression, memory and cognitive difficulties, unconsciousness, and amnesia.

What Are the Effects of ketamine on the Body?

A few minutes after taking ketamine, the user’s heart rate and blood pressure may increase, then gradually diminish over the following 10–20 minutes.

Ketamine can affect motor control and responses to external stimuli. While under its influence, a person may experience:

• Rapid, involuntary eye movements
• Dilated pupils
• Drooling
• Tearing
• Muscle stiffness
• Nausea

What Are its Overdose Effects?

A ketamine overdose can cause unconsciousness and dangerously slow breathing, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Drugs That Produce Similar Effects as ketamine 

Other drugs that can produce similar effects to ketamine include:

• Other hallucinogens: LSD, PCP, mescaline
• Drugs with sedative or amnesiac properties: GHB, Rohypnol®
  These drugs are sometimes misused to facilitate sexual assault due to their ability to impair memory and senses.

What Is the Legal status of ketamine in the USA?

Ketamine has been classified as a Schedule III non-narcotic substance under the Controlled Substances Act since 1999.

It has accepted medical uses as a short-acting injectable anesthetic in both human and veterinary practice.

In 2019, the S(+) enantiomer of ketamine (esketamine) nasal spray (sold under the name Spravato®) was approved by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression. It must be administered in a certified doctor’s office or clinic.

Ketamine has abuse potential and may lead to low or moderate physical dependence and a high degree of psychological dependence.