Research and analysis

Assessment of the harms of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, gamma-butyrolactone, and closely related compounds

This report provides an updated harms assessment of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and related substances.

• From: Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs
• Published: 20 November 2020

Documents

Cover letter from ACMD on GHB, GBL and related compound report (accessible version)

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Cover letter from ACMD on GHB, GBL and related compound report

PDF, 231 KB, 10 pages

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An assessment of the harms of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), and closely related compounds

PDF, 980 KB, 91 pages

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Details

In January 2020 the Home Secretary commissioned the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) to review the evidence for the classification of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and related compounds under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (MDA), and the scheduling of these compounds under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (MDR).

In response the ACMD provided this report which reviews the evidence of harms, use in crime and prevalence of GHB and related compounds that have emerged since the ACMD’s last significant assessment of the risks in 2008.

In addition to providing evidence-based advice on the appropriate classification and scheduling of GHB and related compounds, the ACMD have provided a number of supporting recommendations that aim to reduce the availability and harm of these substances through surveillance, research, and enhanced drug treatment services.

Published 20 November 2020