Law Weblog

GHB Outlawed

Wednesday 9 July 2003 at 12:34 am | In News | Post Comment

GHB has been outlawed, with dealers facing up to five years in jail.

Gammahydroxybutrate (GHB) is now a controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Drugs Minister, Caroline Flint:

“GHB has been used in numerous drug assisted rapes and sexual assaults [… ] It’s very important that we get the message across to club goers that this is a dangerous drug. People can pass out after just a few drops in an alcoholic drink, and an overdose could result in a coma. The strength of the liquid varies, so a user is often unaware how much they are taking.

GHB is a drug developed as an anaesthetic. It is produced as a white powder, which is dissolved into water. In small doses it acts as an ‘upper’. In larger doses the anaesthetic effect takes hold and can lead to respiratory problems. It is potentially lethal when mixed with other substances, for example alcohol.