The government has agreed to make animal anaesthetic ketamine, which is used as a party drug, a Class C substance.
Ketamine is a general anaesthetic used for medical and veterinary purposes and the government is acting on a recommendation from the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs to classify it.
Drug Foundation executive director Ross Bell says while only a small number of people use it illegally, it can be harmful.
He says evidence show it is not an addictive drug but it is habit-forming and people can build up a tolerance to it.
Bell says the classification will have a small, but positive effect.
There will be even tighter controls around the storage of the drug and increased penalties for its importation, possession, manufacture, or supply for illicit purposes.
Associate Minister of Health Jim Anderton will still be able to
be used as a prescription-only medicine by vets and doctors, but
they would need to keep it in an "approved" locked metal or
concrete cupboard or compartment.
Go to the Drug Foundation
website to learn more about ketamine
