History

   Ketamine was first synthesized in the 1962 in the Parke Davis lab by Calvin Stevens. He names it 'CI581'.   He was in search for a safer alternative to PCP (A.K.A angeldust).  In 1965, Ketamine is found to be a useful anesthetic, also in 1965 was the first reported recreational use of Ketamine by Edward Domino.  He describes it as a “potent psychedelic drug” and creates the term ‘dissociative anesthetic’ which pretty much means psychedelic anesthetic.  In 1966, Parke-Davis, (the same place where Ketamine was first synthesized), patents Ketamine as an anesthetic for humans and animals.  Ketamine was used as an anesthetic in the Vietnam war for hurt American soldiers.   In 1969, ketamine (known as ketamine hydrochloride in medicine form) became available with a prescription only, it is known as Ketelar.  During the 1970’s, ketamine starts to be used more often and throughout the world as a recreational drug, especially in Britain, Sweden, Russia and Austrailia.  In 1978, two books were published about experiences of ketamine use, which popularizes use of the drug.  The books are called “Journeys Into the Bright World” by Marcia Moore and Howard Alltounian, and “The Scientist” by John Lily.  Ketamine becomes pretty quiet until 1999, where Ketamine become illegal in the United states, mostly because it is recognized for it’s date rape abilities.  Currently, it is illegal to possess Ketamine without a license or prescription.