GBL Gamma-Butyrolactone a legal high?

GBL ^{(Gamma-Butyrolactone)}

What is GBL?

Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) Colourless oily liquid with a weak characteristic odor and is soluble in water. Gamma-Butyrolactone is a common solvent and is used in the production of stain removers, paint strippers, pesticides, and herbicides among others.(GBL) is also produced as a result of fermentation and so is found in small quantities in some wines.(the amount of GBL found in wine is insignificant and not sufficient to produce any effects)

(GBL) is currently sold as a 'legal high'
Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) is a precursor, - an inactive drug that is converted into an active form of (GHB) in the body by a chemical reaction in the digestive tract.
(GBL) is often sold as a substitute for the illegal form (GHB) and comes in plastic bottles (usually 125ml-1litre) in a diluted form (resembling water)
Also known as: Blue Nitro, Revivarant, Renewtrient, Revitalize Plus, Serenity, Enliven, GHRE, SomatoPro, NRG3, Invigorate, Firewater, Verv, Thunder Nectar , GH Revitalizer, Revivarant G, Blue Nitro Vitality, Gamma G, Remforce and Weight Belt Cleaner (most of these products are named and advertised in such a way as to make it very difficult to know exactly what they are. Some of these products may have formerly contained GHB)

The law

Currently (GBL) is not illegal in the UK , there is potential for the classification of this drug in the near future

History

Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) is often sold as a 'legal high' or 'club drug', also sold in health food stores or on the internet with misleading information such as ‘natural’ product, energy tonic, sleep aid or growth hormones

Effects

GBL is longer acting and has a shorter onset than GHB. Otherwise, effects are similar to GHB, although weight for weight it is significantly more powerful, meaning dosage must be lowered accordingly.
Sedative, muscle relaxation, feeling of euphoria, sensual and uninhibited. Effects can last for a day

Purity

Liquid strength varies widely from bottle to bottle.

Risks

Possibility of collapse and death (particularly When mixed with alcohol or other drugs)
A strong mucous membrane irritant, as well as a mild skin irritant
(GBL) can penetrate the epidermis and cause rashes or eczema
Nausea and other similar problems, possibly more so than with GHB