Is Ketamine legal in Ireland?
- Legal status
- Controlled drug — Schedule 3 under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017, made under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (as amended).
- Consequences if caught
- Unlawful possession or supply is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977; supply and trafficking carry the heavier penalties.
- If prescribed or medical
- Available as a prescription medicine, subject to safe-custody, prescription and record-keeping requirements.
- Documentation
- Possession remains a criminal offence as of 2026; a June 2026 Oireachtas Joint Committee recommended decriminalizing personal possession, but this is NOT enacted — confirm the current status before relying on it. Garda adult-cautioning / health-diversion exists for some first-time personal possession. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
- Misuse of Drugs Act 1977
- Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017, Schedule 3
- irishstatutebook.ie
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Ireland’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →