I’m very confused about the legal status of ketamine in the United States. It’s seemingly illegal (schedule 1?) but also there have been stories about ketamine therapy for depression symptoms and now this? I don’t understand US drug laws.
It's still a terrible and terrifying drug for subduing people.
I’m emphatically not in favor of police using this except as an alternative to other types of violence, but sedation is useful in other contexts.
Ketamine is more of a dissociative; it's a little like long-lasting injectable nitrous oxide. It causes hallucinations, but more like a loss of connection from reality than seeing things that aren't there.
It is commonly use for procedural sedation (i.e. sedating someone so you can reduce a joint dislocation).
Yes, ketamine has its uses, but it also carries real risks and should not be used without proper controls and medical oversight.