Loading page
Loading page
Loading substance route
GBL is a strong corrosive acid that must be heavily diluted with non-alcoholic beverages before consumption to prevent damage to mucous membranes. Doses exceeding 2 ml frequently induce profound sedation or sleep. Bioavailability varies considerably between individuals; GBL is more potent and faster-acting than GHB but has shorter duration. Tolerance to sedative-hypnotic effects develops within days of continuous use, returning to baseline within 7-14 days of cessation.
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
The physical effects of GBL can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage.
The cognitive effects of GBL can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage.
These combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.
These combinations are not usually physically harmful, but may produce undesirable effects, such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. Extreme use may cause physical health issues. Synergistic effects may be unpredictable. Care should be taken when choosing to use this combination.
Moderate to high psychological addiction potential with compulsive redosing commonly reported due to the substance's short duration. When consumed in excessive amounts with high frequency dosing, psychological dependence can develop.
Physical dependence can develop with frequent use, with withdrawal effects reportedly building faster than with GHB and other longer-acting depressants. Withdrawal symptoms range from anxiety, insomnia, and tremors in light to moderate users, to severe symptoms including delirium, psychosis, and hallucinations in heavy users. Some users adopt around-the-clock dosing regimes simply to avoid withdrawal. Withdrawal severity is comparable to benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome in prolonged heavy use cases.
The LD50 is above the active dosage range, and there is reportedly no danger of acute toxicity at typical doses. However, doses above 5mL are considered dangerous, and overdose becomes likely when combined with alcohol or other depressants. Deaths have been reported, typically in combination with alcohol or other CNS depressants.
GBL acts as a mucous membrane irritant and solvent, causing esophageal and gastro-intestinal irritation particularly when taken undiluted; stomach discomfort, nausea, and pain are more common with GBL than with GHB.
Chronic administration may impair spatial memory, working memory, and learning; animal studies demonstrated neuronal loss in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex with repeated dosing, paradoxically showing greater neurotoxicity at lower doses than higher doses.
Psychosis, delirium, and hallucinations can occur as severe withdrawal symptoms following heavy, prolonged use. These psychiatric symptoms are associated with abrupt discontinuation rather than acute intoxication.
Seizures can occur at very high doses and during withdrawal from chronic high-dose consumption. GBL is reportedly less prone to causing seizures and convulsions than GHB during intoxication. Uncontrollable muscle twitching at high doses may progress into epileptic seizures. Withdrawal-induced epileptic seizures are documented with abrupt discontinuation of frequent heavy use.
GBL has a long history as an industrial chemical, primarily valued as a solvent and intermediate in the synthesis of other compounds. Its commercial applications have included use as a flavoring agent, stain remover, wheel cleaner, paint stripper, superglue remover, and as a solvent in certain wet…
Illegal to import without a permit. Importation of a commercial quantity (over 1 kg) is punishable by up to life imprisonment and/or an AUD $825,000 fine.
Controlled under Schedule VI of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Vendors must collect purchase information. Import and export are prohibited, punishable as an indictable offence (up to 10 years) or summary conviction (up to 18 months). Personal possession is not illegal.
Controlled as a dangerous drug under Schedule 1 of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, Cap.134, with exemption clause at Paragraph 16D. Unauthorized possession punishable by a fine of HK$1,000,000 and imprisonment for 7 years upon indictment.
Freely available as a cleaning agent. Retailers do not require a license to sell the substance for legitimate industrial purposes.
Not classified as a narcotic drug but designated a health-endangering substance. Legislation enacted in April 2011 enabled GBL to be treated as a controlled substance when not used for legitimate industrial purposes.
Classified as a controlled drug. Possession, production, supply, and importation are prohibited under national drug legislation.
Regulated as a List I controlled chemical under federal law. As a GHB analog, it is treated as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act when intended for human consumption.
Since January 1, 2012, possession, production, and sale are prohibited under the Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Gesetz (New Psychoactive Substances Act).
Not listed in the Betäubungsmittelgesetz (Narcotics Act), but distribution is controlled. Possession is not illegal unless intended for human consumption or GHB synthesis, in which case the Arzneimittelgesetz (Medicines Act) may apply.
Classified as a proscribed substance since 2007. Possession, production, and distribution are prohibited under national drug control legislation.
Classified as a drug under national pharmaceutical legislation. Handling requires a pharmaceutical license; unauthorized possession and distribution are prohibited.
Considered an ester analog of GHB, making it controlled under Buchstabe B of Swiss narcotics legislation. Industrial use remains permitted with appropriate authorization.
Under Regulation 4B of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, it is lawful to import, export, produce, supply, or possess GBL for legitimate purposes. The substance becomes controlled when a person handles it knowing or believing it will be used for human ingestion.
14 sources cited
