Ketamine

Street terms for Ketamine: jet, super acid, Special “K”, green, K, cat Valium. ¹

What does Ketamine look like?

Ketamine comes in a clear liquid and a white or off-white powder form.

How is Ketamine used?

Ketamine is a tranquilizer most commonly used on animals.
The liquid form can be injected, consumed in drinks, or added to smokable materials.
The powder form can be used for injection when dissolved.²
In certain areas, Ketamine is being injected intramuscularly.³

Who uses Ketamine?

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

How does Ketamine get into the United States?

Marketed as a dissociative general anesthetic for human and veterinary use, the only known source of Ketamine is via diversion of pharmaceutical products.
Recent press reports indicate that a significant number of veterinary clinics are being robbed specifically for their Ketamine stock.
DEA reporting indicates that a major source of Ketamine in the United States is product diverted from pharmacies in Mexico.⁴

How much does Ketamine cost?

Prices average $20 to $25 per dosage unit.⁵

What are some consequences of Ketamine use?

Higher doses produce an effect referred to as “K-Hole,” an “out of body,” or “near-death” experience.⁶
Use of the drug can cause delirium, amnesia, depression, and long-term memory and cognitive difficulties. Due to its dissociative effect, it is reportedly used as a date-rape drug.⁷

References

1. Office of National Drug Control Policy, Street Terms: Drugs and the Drug Trade.
2. Drug Enforcement Administration, Club Drugs: An Update, September 2001.
3. National Institute on Drug Abuse, Community Drug Alert Bulletin: Club Drugs, December 1999.
4. Drug Enforcement Administration, Club Drugs: An Update, September 2001.
5. Ibid.
6. Ibid.
7. Ibid.

Source: U.S. Dept. of Justice