What schedule does ketamine fall under?

Ketamine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification is based on its medical use as an anesthetic and analgesic, as well as its potential for abuse, albeit lower than that of Schedule I or II substances.

Schedule III substances are characterized by having a recognized medical use and a lower potential for abuse compared to drugs in schedules I and II. Ketamine is utilized primarily in surgical settings for anesthesia and is also gaining traction in the treatment of certain mental health conditions, such as depression, when administered in controlled doses.

In contrast, Schedule I drugs are deemed to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, which does not apply to ketamine. Schedule II drugs, on the other hand, also have a high potential for abuse but are recognized for their medical uses, similar to opioids. Schedule IV substances tend to have a lower potential for abuse and are typically associated with less potent medications, which again does not align with ketamine's classification. Therefore, the designation of ketamine as a Schedule III substance reflects its medical benefits balanced against its potential risks.