That this House notes with concern the increased problematic use of ketamine, particularly among young people; further notes that its severe impacts can include cognitive impairment, psychological difficulties and physical damage to the bladder, kidneys and urinary tract, leading to dependency and contributing to deaths; recognises that those affected may require incontinence pads or surgery; pays tribute to those providing peer-support in friendly, safe groups free from stigma; supports the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) advising against the reclassification of the drug from a Class B to a Class A controlled substance; recognises that previous punitive policies have proven to be ineffective and often counter-productive; advocates a public health-centred harm reduction approach, providing access to evidence-based education and effective treatment; and urges the Government to adopt the recommendations of the ACMD, raise awareness of ketamine-related harms and promote the expansion of education, treatment and support services.
