Coroner calls for urgent action over Ketamine classification after young woman

A CORONER has called for the government to consider reclassifying Ketamine as a class A drug following the death of a "one in a million" woman who became so addicted she was using £500 of it every week.

Gemma Weeks, 28, (above and below) was unable to stop taking the class B drug despite the harm and pain it caused to her bladder.

An inquest at Bournemouth Coroners' Court heard that she had been taking the drug for ten years and had increased the amount she was using towards the end of her life.

Brendan Allen, Area Coroner for Dorset, who heard the inquest last month, said she was locked in a catch 22 situation after the drug caused painful bladder problems that she felt could only be relieved by more ketamine, which caused more harm to her bladder.

He has now issued a prevention of Future Deaths Notice which calls for a review of the classification of the drug.

He wrote: "Her use of ketamine, a controlled drug of class B, had increased over the years and there are reports that in 2024 she was using approximately £500 of ketamine per week.

"Long term use of ketamine has had a detrimental effect on Miss Weeks’ health. She was significantly underweight (ketamine suppresses the appetite) and had developed ketamine bladder syndrome, a condition associated with considerable pain and incontinence.

"Despite the health complications caused by the regular ketamine use, Miss Weeks was unable, even with considerable support, to achieve a sustained period of abstinence. She reported that the pain caused by the damage to her bladder could only be relieved by the analgesic properties of ketamine, thereby leading to further and increased use, causing further bladder damage."

On January 26 2025 she was found deceased in her room at her temporary accommodation in Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth.

She had consumed high levels of ketamine and another substance, which the coroner redacted the name of, the combined effects of which caused her death.

Urinary bladder necrosis and chronic pyelonephritis due to ketamine was given as a supplementary cause of death and the conclusion of the inquest recorded that her death was drug related.

Originally from Axminster, Devon, she was living in Dorset at the time of her death.

Tributes have been paid to her on Muchloved.com.

One friend said: "You were a true one in a million. I know I'll never meet anyone like Miss Gem Weeks again. A smart and beautiful girl with the biggest heart."

An Aunt added: "Gemma had the biggest heart and the most beautiful smile. Our bond as Auntie and niece was so strong, I will miss her forever but take comfort in the knowledge that she will live on in our hearts for eternity."

Mr Allen added: "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."

He said he had concerns with regard to 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.

He added: "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.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."

The notice has been sent to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who both have 56 days to respond.

A government spokesperson said a review of the classification of the drug was underway since January.

The spokesperson said: “Ketamine is an extremely dangerous substance and the recent rise in its use is deeply concerning.

“The Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention has requested advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs about reclassifying it as a Class A drug and will consider that advice carefully and quickly once received.”