CanKet (also known as 2F-NENDCK) is a novel synthetic recreational drug, only recently discovered in 2022 by scientists from The Australian National University (ANU) [1]. The drug was identified at CanTest in Canberra, after someone presented a small bag of powder and crystals for testing. The person had believed it to be ketamine but brought it in for testing when the effects they experienced were different to those from ketamine. Upon testing, the scientists found that it was clearly not ketamine, but rather a ketamine-like substance (hence its name CanKet, short for “Canberra Ketamine”).
What are the effects of CanKet?
Due to the novel nature of CanKet, its effects are yet to be formally studied. Like ketamine, CanKet is a dissociative drug, meaning it causes people to feel detached from their body or environment, and can cause hallucinations or other changes in consciousness [2].
CanKet belongs to the same class of drugs as ketamine, with their chemical structure being almost identical [3]. However, even small differences in chemical structure can lead to relatively big differences in the potency and effects of drugs.
User reports describe both similarities and differences to the effects of ketamine, though CanKet has been reported to have a faster and stronger onset of effects than ketamine (sometimes with more intense visual distortions) [3, 4].
Reported effects of CanKet/2F-NENDCK include [3]:
- Dissociation of mind from body
- Mild to no euphoria
- Strong visual distortions
- Disorientation
- Nausea
- Stimulation/energisation
- Hangover the following day
In 2024, an urgent drug alert was issued in Queensland after testers at the CheQpoint pill testing service in Brisbane found CanKet mixed with methamphetamine. The person who brought the sample in for testing reported “distress, hallucinations and nausea” after taking the substance.
Overdose can be fatal and poses an even higher risk when mixed with other drugs.
This discovery highlights the importance of harm-minimisation pill testing services such as CheQpoint and CanTest.
What are Australia’s laws surrounding emerging substances?
New psychoactive substances (NPS), such as ketamine and CanKet are a range of synthetic drugs that have been manufactured to mimic established illicit drugs. The new drugs are developed to replace those that are banned, leading to constant changes in their chemical structures as they attempt to stay ahead of legal restrictions [5].
The laws regarding NPS are complex, ever evolving, and vary across states and territories. However, they are generally becoming more stringent.
In Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria, a ‘blanket ban’ now prohibits the possession or sale of any substance with psychoactive effects, except for alcohol, tobacco, and food.
In other Australian states and territories, specific NPS substances are banned, with new ones frequently added to the list. As a result, a drug that is legal to sell or possess today may become illegal tomorrow. The substances banned vary between these states and territories [5].
Prevention is key. Read more about our MDMA & Emerging Drugs prevention program for year 10-11 students here.
If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, help is available.
Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential support about alcohol and other drugs.
Author: Francesca Wallis
References
[1] Australian National University, “ANU scientists make Australian-first detection of new drug,” ANU, Oct. 18, 2022. https://www.anu.edu.au/news/all-news/anu-scientists-make-australian-first-detection-of-new-drug[2] Alcohol and Drug Foundation, “ADF – Drug Facts – Ketamine,” ADF – Alcohol & Drug Foundation, 2016. https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/ketamine/
[3] D. Lynch, “Safer Using – 2F-NENDCK (CanKet) | CAHMA,” CAHMA, Jan. 15, 2024. https://www.cahma.org.au/article/safer-using-canket/ (accessed Jan. 23, 2025).
[4] QuIHN, CheqPoint, and The Loop Australia, “Novel Dissociative Found in Methamphetamine,” Sep. 2024. Available: https://www.quihn.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/meth-and-novel-dissociative.pdf
[5] Alcohol and Drug Foundation, “New psychoactive substances – Alcohol and Drug Foundation,” Adf.org.au, Jan. 2025. https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/new-psychoactive-substances/
