Government to Ban 'Legal High' Drugs

Following an announcement by Alan Johnson, the Home Secretary. GBL, BZP and "spice", three so-called "legal high" drugs are to be reclassified.

Under the seemingly innocuous banner of "legal high" or "herbal high" drugs, GBL, BZP and "spice" can have significant side effects. A report in The Times outlines the properties of the trio and their effects. Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) known variously as liquid Ecstasy, herbal Ecstasy and coma in a bottle is sold in small bottles or capsules for around £15. The oily liquid is normally found in stain removers and paint strippers. When taken with alcohol side effects include coma, nausea, seizures and drowsiness. Although dealers currently promote GBL as a "legal high" it is likely to be classified as a class C drug by the end of the year. Benzylpiperazine (BZP) is marketed as herbal Ecstasy, legal E, Pep, A2, nemesis, exodus, frenzy and charge. It has stimulant properties along the lines of amphetamines and is sold in tablet form for around £3 a pill. BZP has its own side effects but side effects can vary depending on whether it is taken with other substances. For example anxiety, nausea, vomiting, fits and collapse, when mixed with Ecstasy, alcohol or amphetamines. BZP is also likely to be reclassified as a class C drug by the end of the year Synthetic cannabinoids, commonly referred to as "spice" mimic the effects of THC, an active ingredient in cannabis. Users are charged around £20 for a 3g pouch. When smoked it has a similar effect to cannabis although the side effects relate more to “skunk”, the sronger version of cannabis. These include paranoia, memory loss and panic attacks. Although currently legal its status is expected to change to a class B drug by the end of the year. Anyone concerned about the effects of drugs is encouraged to visit www,talktofrank.com or to telephone 0800 776600