Leslie Massey
Ketamine is a drug that is used by medical practitioners and veterinarians as an anaesthetic. It is also used illegally by people to get high. In Australia, ketamine is listed as a schedule 8-controlled drug under the Poisons Standard. This means that it is illegal to use, possess, supply, or manufacture ketamine without authorisation. Despite its illegal status, ketamine use in Australia has been rising, with a record high reported in April 2023. This has led to a surge in ketamine imports and seizures at the borders. While ketamine can be dangerous and have adverse effects on the body and mind, it has also shown promising results in treating depression.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ketamine's legality in Australia | Ketamine is illegal in Australia and is listed as a Schedule 8-controlled drug under the Poisons Standard. |
| Exceptions | It is used by medical practitioners and veterinarians as an anaesthetic and is available as a nasal spray for the management of treatment-resistant depression. |
| Side effects | Ketamine can cause disorientation, memory loss, depression, seizures, and even death. It can also lead to urinary tract damage, including "ketamine bladder syndrome" or "ketamine cystitis". |
| Addiction | Ketamine is addictive, and users may experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit. |
| Treatment | There are support services available in Australia, such as the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, the Drug Help website, and the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline. |
| Import | There has been a surge in ketamine imports into Australia in recent years, with authorities seizing a record amount of the drug in 2023. |
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What You'll Learn
Ketamine's legal status in Australia
Ketamine is a dissociative drug used for medical treatment and by veterinarians as an anaesthetic. It is also used illegally to get high. In Australia, it is listed as a Schedule 8 controlled drug under the Poisons Standard. Schedule 8 drugs are defined as substances that "should be available for use but require restriction of manufacture, supply, distribution, possession and use to reduce abuse, misuse and physical or psychological dependence".
Ketamine is also sold illegally for its hallucinogenic effects. It usually comes in the form of a white powder, which can be made into tablets or dissolved into a clear liquid. It can be swallowed, snorted, injected, or smoked with cannabis or tobacco. The effects of ketamine can be felt within one minute if injected, 5-15 minutes if snorted, and up to 30 minutes if swallowed. Its effects can last for around an hour, but an individual's coordination or senses may be affected for up to 24 hours.
The recreational use of ketamine has been rising in Australia. The National Drug Strategy Household Survey found that the use of ketamine among Australians aged 14 and over increased to 1.4% in 2022-23, up from 0.9% in 2019. This increase in ketamine use has also been reflected in the surge of ketamine imports into Australia, with authorities seizing a record amount of the drug in recent years.
While ketamine can be legally prescribed and administered by medical practitioners, its illegal use and distribution are subject to legal consequences in Australia. The specific penalties for ketamine-related offences may vary depending on the state or territory's legislation.
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Ketamine's effects and dangers
Ketamine is a dissociative drug, which causes people to feel separated or detached from their body or physical environment. It can also cause hallucinations and changes in thoughts, emotions and consciousness. It is used by doctors and vets as a sedative, pain killer and occasionally to treat depression. It is also used illegally as a hallucinogen or dissociative.
Ketamine can be swallowed, snorted, injected or smoked with cannabis or tobacco. The effects of ketamine may be experienced within one minute if injected, 5–15 minutes if snorted, and up to 30 minutes if swallowed. Its effects can last for around an hour, however, an individual’s coordination or senses may be affected for up to 24 hours after initial use.
Ketamine can make you feel happy and relaxed but it can also have unwanted effects on your body and emotions. It can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, reduced sensitivity, increased blood pressure and increased heart rate. The risk of death from ketamine alone is low, but individuals are at a higher risk of physical harm or accidents while under the influence. Taking ketamine with alcohol, heroin or other opiates is dangerous as it can slow your nervous system and your breathing, which can be fatal. Taking ketamine with depressant drugs can also increase the risk of bladder problems.
Ketamine is addictive and users may find it difficult to stop using. They may feel they need the drug to get through the day and may develop a tolerance, meaning they need to take larger amounts to get the same effect. Large, repeated doses of ketamine may cause 'ketamine bladder syndrome', a painful condition needing ongoing treatment.
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Ketamine's medical use
Ketamine is a dissociative drug, which causes people to feel separated or detached from their body or physical environment. It is used by doctors and veterinarians as an anaesthetic and sedative, and occasionally to treat depression. It is also used as a pain killer.
Ketamine is a regulated medicine, which means it is known how it’s made and that it’s of high quality. However, illegal ketamine is not regulated, so there is no way to know its strength or what it might be mixed with.
Ketamine is used to treat depression in some specialist clinics. In February 2023, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) met to discuss Spravato's proposed inclusion in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Spravato is a prescription nasal spray containing esketamine hydrochloride, a form of ketamine. It is used for the management of treatment-resistant depression. On 1 May 2025, Spravato was made available on the PBS for adults with treatment-resistant depression. This means the federal government subsidises the cost of the medication.
Ketamine is also used to treat complex mood disorders. The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia has a Ketamine Treatment Clinic for this purpose.
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Ketamine's recreational use and dependence
Ketamine is a dissociative drug, which causes people to feel separated or detached from their body or physical environment. It is used by doctors and vets as a sedative, pain killer, and occasionally to treat depression. It is also used illegally as a hallucinogen or dissociative. The drug is often referred to as "Ket", "Special K", or "K".
Ketamine is often sold as a white powder but can also be made into tablets or dissolved into a clear liquid. It can be swallowed, snorted, injected, or smoked with cannabis or tobacco. The effects of ketamine can be felt within one minute if injected, 5-15 minutes if snorted, and up to 30 minutes if swallowed. The effects can last for around an hour, but an individual's coordination or senses may be impacted for up to 24 hours after initial use.
Ketamine has risen in popularity in recent years, with the number of people using it doubling between 2016 and 2019. People in their 20s are the most likely group to be using ketamine. During the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020-21, ketamine use among regular drug users rose by 21%. The reasons for this increase are not clear, but greater availability and lower prices compared to other drugs may be factors.
Regular use of ketamine can lead to dependence, with some users feeling they need the drug to carry out normal activities or just to get through the day. Withdrawal symptoms from ketamine include anxiety, tremors, sweating, and palpitations. Additionally, large, repeated doses of ketamine can cause "ketamine bladder syndrome", a painful condition that requires ongoing treatment. The long-term effects of repeated ketamine use are still unknown and are being actively investigated. However, frequent recreational users have shown brain damage, cognitive deficits, increased dissociation, and delusions.
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Ketamine's import and seizure in Australia
Ketamine is a prohibited substance in Australia. In 2023, Australian authorities seized 882 kg of ketamine, more than double the amount seized in 2022. This surge in ketamine imports has sparked concerns about the increased efforts of criminals to import the drug into the country. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has been working closely with its law enforcement partners to combat this issue.
In July 2023, the AFP made the largest ketamine seizure in Australia, confiscating a total of 145 kg of the drug. This operation resulted in the arrest and charging of three men in Victoria, who were allegedly involved in concealing about 80 kg of ketamine in liquid micro cement that arrived in Melbourne by sea cargo. Additionally, in the same month, the AFP arrested three members of a Victorian-based crime syndicate and seized approximately 174 kg of ketamine. This collaborative effort with international law enforcement partners prevented significant harm to the community.
Transnational serious organised crime (TSOC) syndicates have been employing more sophisticated methods to smuggle ketamine into Australia. In one instance, 84 kg of ketamine was discovered hidden inside two new commercial vans on a cargo ship destined for Sydney. The Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted the ship in Melbourne and found the drug concealed in the vehicle panels.
The AFP, along with its partners, remains vigilant in disrupting criminal syndicates and preventing illicit drugs from entering Australia. Despite the recent rise in ketamine importations, the ketamine drug market is relatively smaller compared to other Australian drug markets, such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Nevertheless, the surge in ketamine imports and seizures underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to curb the illegal trade and distribution of this prohibited substance within Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, ketamine is illegal in Australia. It is listed as a Schedule 8-controlled drug under the Poisons Standard. However, there are exceptions under the law for authorised use by medical practitioners and veterinarians.
Ketamine is a dissociative drug used for medical treatment and anaesthesia. It can also be used illegally to get high.
Ketamine produces feelings of dissociation, causing users to feel separated or detached from their bodies or physical environment. It can also cause hallucinations and impact an individual's senses and perception of reality.
Chronic heavy use of ketamine can lead to urinary tract damage, memory impairment, and dependence on the drug. It can also increase the risk of physical harm or accidents while under the influence.
If you're concerned about your ketamine use, you can contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline in Australia on 1800 250 015 for confidential information and support.
