What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a pharmaceutical drug that was originally developed as a surgical anesthetic but today is primarily used as a sedative and painkiller for larger animals in veterinary medicine. It is known as a dissociative anesthetic. However, ketamine is also used a recreational drug. Commonly referred to as a “club drug,” it is misused in order to achieve a dream like state in which out of body experiences and hallucinations are common. At high doses, this dissociative experience is often referred to as “falling into the K-hole.” It is usually snorted by crushing ketamine pills into a powder but can also be injected, consumed in drinks or rolled into joints and smoked.
Ketamine, due to its effects as a sedative, also often is used as a “date rape” drug. Use of ketamine in order to perpetrate rape or any other manner of sexual assault will necessitate separate charges for both the sex crime and the misuse of ketamine.
Common brand names for ketamine:
- Ketalar
- Ketaset
- Ketanest
Common street names for ketamine include:
- K
- Special K
- Vitamin K
- Lady K
- Ketaject
- Cat Tranquilizers
- Cat Valium
- Super C
- Jet
- Green
What Are the Penalties for Ketamine Possession and Distribution?
Ketamine is considered a Schedule III drug by the DEA under the Controlled Dangerous Substances Act. A Schedule III drug like ketamine is one that is defined as the following:
- Potential for abuse below that of Schedule I and II drugs.
- A currently accepted medical use in the United States, which in ketamine’s case in as a sedative and for pain control in veterinary medicine.
- Low to moderate potential for physical dependence and high potential for psychological dependence.
The penalties for ketamine possession and ketamine distribution are similar. Additional charges can also be filed depending on where you possessed the ketamine such as charges for intent to distribute in a school zone or within 500 feet of a public park or housing.
- Third Degree Ketamine Possession
- 3 to 5 years of prison time
- Fines up to $25,000
- Third Degree Ketamine Distribution
- 3 to 5 years of prison time
- Fines up to $25,000
Contact Us to Discuss Ketamine Charges
Third degree crimes like ketamine possession or distribution are considered indictable offenses, which is New Jersey’s version of felonies. Therefore, you want the very best legal defense when facing down such a charge. Speak with the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Schneider Freiberger in order to discuss your options today.
