Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she expects to receive advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs on the classification of ketamine.

In January this year, the Government asked the independent statutory advisory body, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, to provide an updated assessment of the harms of ketamine, including whether it should be reclassified to become a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The ACMD is independent of Government and provides a broad range of recommendations, including advice on legislative changes.

In March, the ACMD published its work programme for 2025. The programme sets out the ACMD’s intention to complete its ketamine assessment by the end of Autumn this year. When the council provides its advice, the Government will consider it carefully before deciding how to proceed.