Gemma Weeks
19 Aug 2025 · Coroner Brendan Allen · Dorset
This report repeats 1 earlier warning, and was raised again 1 time later. See the linked reports.
The coroner's concerns
1. ketamine use
“Ketamine is a controlled drug of class B. There is a perception in naïve users that this signifies "lesser" risks associated with using ketamine as compared with class A drugs. However, in acute overdose, ketamine can be fatal. It is also highly addictive, with reports of usage notably increasing in young people, among whom the risks of ketamine use do not appear to be well understood. I heard evidence that ketamine has become easily, widely and cheaply available. Local drug treatment agencies have seen a corresponding increase in individuals reporting ketamine addiction and seeking assistance for the same. In addition, chronic ketamine use can lead to devastating health complications, including ketamine bladder syndrome, an extremely painful condition that requires reconstructive surgery to repair. I have concerns with regard to the following:The dangers and risk associated with both acute and chronic ketamine use are not well understood by the public and potential first time users of the drug. Ketamine's classification as a class B controlled drug may give an impression that the dangers associated with its use are reduced as compared with class A drugs. There is little understanding of the risks and dangers of ketamine use amongst the age group that appear to be at most risk of starting to use the drug.”
2. lack of public awareness of chronic ketamine health consequences
“The health consequences of chronic ketamine use are well understood by those that encounter them, including drug treatment providers and those working in healthcare. Those consequences are not, however, well understood outside of those circles.”
3. misleading drug classification perception
“Ketamine's classification as a class B controlled drug may give an impression that the dangers associated with its use are reduced as compared with class A drugs.”
Linked reports
Identical hazardConfidence 0.96 · high
Earlier report
“Maintaining its classification as a Class B drug was likely to encourage others to start to use it or continue to use it under the false impression it is”
This report
“Ketamine's classification as a class B controlled drug may give an impression that the dangers associated with its use are reduced as compared with class A drugs.”
Closely relatedConfidence 0.90 · high
This report
“Ketamine is a controlled drug of class B. There is a perception in naïve users that this signifies "lesser" risks associated with using ketamine as compared with class A drugs.”
Later report
“There is limited research on the addictiveness of ketamine and the consequences of chronic ketamine use.”