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Proposals for control of GBL

HOME OFFICE News Release (091/2009) issued by COI News Distribution Service on 21 May 2009

New controls for a range of substances including GBL were set out today in two public consultations launched by the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

The aim is to prevent the misuse of GBL, 1,4 BD, BZP and a range of anabolic steroids as part of the Home Office's drug strategy and its commitment to responding to the changing drugs environment and emerging threats to public health.

GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) and its precursor 1,4 BD (1,4-butanediol) have wide legitimate uses as solvents but can be converted into the Class C controlled drug GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) in the body. The consultation sets out three options for control and invites industry, commerce and the general public to set out to the Government the potential impacts of the different approaches. These responses will inform the action that Government takes forward.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:

"I am determined that we respond to the dangers of these drugs and that is why I have committed to controlling them. It is absolutely right that we continue to adapt our drug policy to the changing environment of substance
misuse.

"This is the next step in tackling the unregulated market of so called 'legal highs'."

The second consultation sets out the Government's intention to control BZP (1- benzylpiperazine) as a Class C drug. It also makes clear the Home Office's aim, in line with the advice published today from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, to control a group of related compounds or substituted piperazines that have the same or very similar harms to BZP.

The consultation also sets out the Government's intention to update the list of steroids currently controlled as Class C drugs by adding a further 24 anabolic steroids and two non-steroidal substances to the class.

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. To view the consultations go to http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/haveyoursay/current-consultations/

2. For more information on the Home Office drug strategy visit: http://www.drugs.gov.uk

3. The consultation on GBL sets out a number of options for the control:
* Full control of GBL as a class C drug prohibiting possession, supply, production and importation/exportation;
* Control of GBL as a class C drug with a licensing regime to permit industrial use; and
* Banning possession and supply where it is intended for human use only, leaving industry and commercial use unaffected.

4. For more information contact the Home Office press office newdesk 020 7035 3535