Ketamine upgraded to class B drug

The party drug ketamine is to be reclassified as a class B drug, increasing the penalty for those caught producing, supplying or possessing it. Norman Baker, the crime prevention minister, hopes that that change will send a clear message to users that the drug is harmful.

There is growing evidence that ketamine can cause serious damage to internal organs, especially to the bladder. It is also linked with psychological problems. Ketamine is a powerful anaesthetic that is used by vets.

The reclassification will mean that ketamine will be treated in the same way as cannabis, codeine and amphetamines, with up to five years in prison for possession and up to 14 years in prison for supply and production.

Mr Baker shared his views on the current system of drug control at a treatment centre in London, saying: “I’m not sure in the very long term that the present system is a perfect one for drug control.”

It is possible that we may see some major changes to drug classification and control in the forthcoming years. The ‘war on drugs’ has been declared a failure, with an increase in supply and cheaper illegal drugs now available.

In the short term, however, Mr Baker feels that reclassification will send out a positive message to those who are considering taking the drug. He added: “What I do think is in the short term there’s a message that needs to be sent on ketamine. In terms of where we’re going in 20 or 30 years’ time, in terms of the optimum method of minimising drug use, then I’m not sure.”