Is Ketamine legal in Iran?

Legal status

Controlled under the Law on Combating Narcotics (1988, amended 2017) and the Psychotropic Substances Law (1975); ketamine is not among Iran's enumerated capital-narcotics, and the precise schedule placement is left to confirmation against the current statute.

Consequences if caught

Unlawful dealing is criminal (imprisonment and fines). Iran's drug death penalty (2017 amendment) is reserved for large quantities of specifically enumerated narcotics (e.g. over 2 kg of heroin/cocaine/morphine/methamphetamine, or over 50 kg of opium/cannabis); ketamine is NOT among those enumerated substances, so it does not carry capital exposure.

If prescribed or medical

Ketamine sits OUTSIDE the 1961 and 1971 Convention schedules, so no INCB estimate or assessment establishes its licit national supply — ketamine-specific prescription availability in Iran is NOT CONFIRMED here; the control status above is what is established. Iran’s INCB sheet (2025) admits only “original and intact FDA-approved drugs” with a prescription, in quantities covering the stay; beyond 6 months you must see a physician in Iran (ICSA@fda.gov.ir).

Documentation

Iran retains and ACTIVELY enforces the death penalty for drugs under the Anti-Narcotics Law of 1988 (amended 1997, 2011 and 2017; Art 45 renumbered Art 46, in force 14 November 2017). The 2017 amendment RAISED the thresholds (previously more than 30 g of heroin/cocaine or more than 5 kg of opium/cannabis): death now applies to trafficking, producing, distributing or selling more than 2 kg of heroin, morphine, cocaine or synthetic drugs, or more than 50 kg of opium, cannabis or bhang, plus possession, purchase or concealment of more than 3 kg of synthetics. Death also applies REGARDLESS of quantity for armed offenders, cartel ringleaders, financiers, those using minors or the mentally ill, and repeat offenders previously sentenced to death, life or 15+ years. Cannabis (bhang/hashish) is included at the 50 kg threshold. Possession and use are criminal, and compulsory treatment exists. [retained and actively enforced — world's leading drug executioner] At least 503 drug-related executions occurred in 2024 (471 in 2023), roughly half of all executions, by hanging (US Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor, corroborated by Harm Reduction International and Amnesty International). Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Iran’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.