Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to reduce the use of GHB drugs in the UK.

GHB (gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid) is controlled under Class C of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and scheduled under Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (the 2001 Regulations). Two related substances, gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) are also controlled under Class C of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

In March 2021, following recommendations by the independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), the Home Secretary announced the tightening of restrictions around the drugs GHB, GBL and 1,4-BD. In line with the ACMD’s advice, these drugs will, subject to Parliamentary approval, be moved from Class C to Class B under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

The maximum penalty for the possession of a Class C drug is up to 2 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. The maximum penalty for the possession of a Class B drug is 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. In addition, the Home Secretary agreed to the ACMD’s recommendation to place GBL and 1,4-BD in Schedule 1 to the 2001 Regulations and remove the exemption that makes it lawful to import, export, produce, supply, offer to supply or possess GBL and 1,4-BD in certain circumstances, so that those who possess them for legitimate industrial purposes will require a licence to do so. The Government intends to bring forward legislation shortly.