Ketamine should be reclassified as a Class A drug urges coroner

A coroner has called for Ketamine to be reclassified as a Class A drug, after a coffee shop founder died of sepsis as a result of his long-term use of the substance.

Alison Mutch OBE warned people in Britain are under a 'false impression' that the drug - which killed Friends star Matthew Perry - is less dangerous than other substances like cocaine.

Ms Mutch, a coroner in Manchester, said maintaining its classification encourages people to use it over class A drugs.

Her new drug warning comes after 38 year old Jamie Boland, from Manchester, died from the long-term effects of taking the drug.

Mr Boland - founder and owner of a trendy coffee company in Manchester - had previously switched from Class A drug cocaine because he thought ketamine was 'less harmful', it was heard.

Ms Mutch has suggested that ketamine - a powerful horse tranquilliser - should be re-classified to prevent people from thinking it is not dangerous.

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Writing to the government, she also warned of a 'significant increase' in people using ketamine.

In Britain, it is popular recreationally with young people for its anaesthetic effects, while globally it achieved fame as the drug that killed Friends icon Perry.

The drug causes major issues to the bladder and kidneys.

Ms Mutch warned that more people are at risk of succumbing to the same fate as Mr Boland unless action is taken.

Mr Boland died on June 19, 2024, from sepsis, which was caused by an acute kidney infection - a complication of long term ketamine use.

Mr Boland, who was found unresponsive at his Manchester home, was a 'chronic user' of the drug and also suffered significant urological issues as a result of abusing it.

He founded and owned Ancoats Coffee Co in Manchester, an independent roastery and speciality coffee shop in the city.

In a tribute online after his death in June, Ancoats Coffee said Mr Boland was a 'pioneer in bringing speciality coffee and coffee culture to Manchester'.

Ms Mutch wrote a Prevention of Future Deaths report, addressed to the Home Secretary, warning that action on ketamine must be taken.

'In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken', she said.

'The inquest heard evidence that previously Mr Boland had used cocaine - a Class A drug - but had switched to ketamine - a Class B drug - on the basis that he perceived it to be less harmful.

'His perception that it was less harmful was based on the fact it is designated as a Class B rather than Class A drug.

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'The evidence before the inquest was that ketamine is a deeply harmful substance when used outside the purposes for which it is licenced for prescribing by clinicians and that users such as Mr Boland are unable to give it up despite knowing how dangerous it is to their health.

'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 'safer'.

'The evidence at the inquest was that ketamine use causes huge long term life changing health problems.

'In Mr Boland's case it had caused long term urological damage and liver damage.

'It was the damage to his urological system caused by ketamine that led to his death.

'The inquest was told that there is a significant increase in the illicit use of ketamine and that this has led to clinicians seeing a rise in potentially fatal health problems linked to its use.

'The extent of these risks rarely understood by users until the damage has been done to their health.'

The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has until December 31 to respond to Ms Mutch, who is coroner for Manchester South.

Ms Mutch recorded a narrative conclusion at Mr Boland's inquest.

In October last year the world was shocked when Friends star Perry, 54, was found dead in his hot tub at his home in Los Angeles.

It emerged the Chandler Bing actor died from the acute effects of ketamine, having been using it to treat depression.

In the UK, ketamine - sometimes called ket or 'special K' - is seen by young people as a cheaper alternative to cocaine.