Ketamine could become a Class A drug, as government launch review after record use
Ketamine could be upgraded to a Class A drug, as the government has requested a review of its classification.
The Home Office have written to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) asking them to consider whether it should remain as a Class B drug or become a Class A.
The move comes in response to record use of the drug last year, with an estimated 299,000 people aged 16-59 reporting having used ketamine in 2023.
The current Class B status means the maximum penalty for supplying and producing it is up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
For a Class A drug, the maximum penalty for supply and production is up to life in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. For possession of a Class A it's seven years in jail, compared to five for a Class B.
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Ketamine is one of the most detected drugs in incidents of spiking, and is also often an ingredient so-called 'pink cocaine'. ITV News has reported on the rise in Brits using 'pink cocaine' abroad.
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said: "Ketamine is an extremely dangerous substance and the recent rise in its use is deeply concerning.
“Through our Plan for Change and mission to make the nation’s streets safer, we will work across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use and stop those who profit from its supply.
“It is vital we are responding to all the latest evidence and advice to ensure people’s safety and we will carefully consider the ACMD’s recommendations before making any decision.”
There have been a number of high profile recent deaths caused by ketamine consumption - including actor Matthew Perry, who was found dead in his hot tub in 2023 with a lethal amount of ketamine in his blood stream.
In November last year a coroner wrote to the Home Secretary calling for urgent action over the classification of ketamine, after a man died due to "long term-use" of the drug.
James Boland, 38, from Manchester, died of sepsis caused by a kidney infection as a result of ketamine use.
The coroner said the Class B classification for ketamine is "likely to encourage others to start to use it or continue to use it under the false impression it is 'safer'."
Independent experts on the ACMD will now look at the evidence around the health and social harms of ketamine when used illegally, and will submit their findings to the Home Office to review.
The Home Office has a statutory duty to consult the ACMD under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 before any amendments to legislation are made.
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