GHB/GBL
A.K.A: G, Fantasy, Liquid Ecstasy, Gina, Waz
Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) are depressant drugs with strong sedative effects. GHB and GBL look, taste, and smell the same, but GBL is stronger as it is converted into GHB in the body.
These drugs slow down your brain and body functions, and can make you feel euphoric, sexually aroused, and relaxed. They can also make you feel nauseous, groggy, confused and cause memory lapses.
Both GHB and GBL are active in very small amounts and are easy to overdose on if they are not measured out carefully.
Caution
GHB and GBL can be very easy to overdose on because there is a small difference between a common dose and a dangerous dose.
How to be safer when using GHB/GBL
- The high from these drugs takes 15–45 minutes to kick in and lasts for 1–4 hours.
- Avoid mixing with other drugs, especially ones that slow your body down like alcohol.
- They can make you feel horny - so plan beforehand (e.g. talk about consent with your partner, use condoms).
- Drug checking can help you find out if you have GHB, GBL or 1,4-BD, or if these are mixed with another drug.
Related data
Related articles
Report: What we saw at drug checking in 2025
Key insights from our drug checking services in 2025.
Growing demand shows addictions sector needs more investment
An increase in people accessing specialist addiction treatment highlights the hard work the sector is doing despite a longstanding lack of funding
Charting fifty years of failure
50 years after it was passed into law, journalist Russell Brown plots a potted history of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975