Buccal aerosol sprays using polar and / or non-polar solvents have now been developed which provide propofol for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, resulting in fast onset of effect. The buccal polar compositions of the invention comprise formulation I: propofol, a polar solvent and an optional flavoring agent; formulation II: propofol, a polar solvent, a propellant, and an optionally flavoring agent; formulation III: propofol, a non-polar solvent, and an optional flavoring agent; formulation IV: propofol, a non-polar solvent, a propellant, and an optional flavoring agent; formulation V: propofol, a mixture of a polar solvent and a non-polar solvent, and an optional flavoring agent; and formulation VI: propofol, a mixture of a polar solvent and a non-polar solvent, a propellant, and an optional flavoring agent.