Known amongst other things as ‘K’, ‘special K’, ‘Ket’, ‘Kit Kat’, ‘green’ - it is a powerful anaesthetic used on humans and animals.

Since the 1990’s it has become part of the club and rave scene.

What Does it Look Like?
It comes in ampoules for injecting, white tablets for swallowing or white crystalline powder for sniffing. May also come in coloured capsules.

Reaction Time
Injected 30 seconds
Inhaled 5 minutes
Oral 20 minutes

How Long Do the Effects Last?
About one hour, but often 4-6 hours, and 24-48 hours are needed before ‘normality’ returns

EFFECTS and RISKS
Pain killing and mind altering Temporary memory loss Nausea, vomiting, choking, convulsions Numbness and drowsiness Blocks normal thinking, memory recall and most sensory input Extreme hallucinations Distorted vision/hearing Slurred speech Physical incapacity—loss of motor control, difficulty walking

Possible temporary paralysis Aggression And Long Term Effects of chronic use may last from several months to two years or more

Regular use may lead to tolerance and physical and psychological dependence Flashbacks may occur one year after use Possibility of irreversible brain damage

The Law
Ketamine is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act and so possession is not an offence. However, this is a prescription only drug and under the Medicines Act you could be prosecuted for supplying it to others