Missing Dorset teenager used cannabis in the days before she died
Witnesses have been giving evidence at Gaia Pope's inquest
Last updated 27th Apr 2022
Toxicologists say 19-year-old Gaia Pope had used cannabis in the days before she died.
Evidence is being heard today (Wednesday 27th April) at the inquest into the death of the 19-year-old, who was found dead in Swanage, eleven days after she went missing in 2017.
Expert witnesses have been giving evidence today about the substances found in Gaia’s body during a post-mortem exam.
Forensic Toxicologist Sarah Tarrant-Wooding told the court Gaia probably used a cannabis product in the days before her death – although no indication was given over the type of product she used.
She said if Gaia had used cannabis oil, it could change the timeframe slightly.
Blood tests found THC, the active substance in cannabis, was in Gaia’s system at the time of her death.
Gaia was being treated for epilepsy with three medications, but only two of those were found in her system following her death, indicating she had not taken Carbamazepine for a couple of days.
The court heard that there are no approved medicines using THC, although some people who have epilepsy are known to use the drug because they believe it alleviates their symptoms.
Ms Tarrant-Wooding told the court because of this Gaia’s use of cannabis would be considered illegal.
She added it isn't possible to know how using cannabis alongside prescription medications could increase the chance or intensity of possible side effects of those medications. Those include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty concentrating.
But Ms Tarrant-Wooding emphasised it is difficult to say exactly how long before she died that she had used the drug, but it was likely to be around 12 hours to a day before her death.
She said the levels of two drugs named Lamotrigine and Clobazam were consistent with Gaia’s prescribed doses.
The evidence is being heard to build a picture of Gaia's mental state in the days leading up to her death.
The inquest continues at Bournemouth Town Hall.