Harm Reduction: GBL/GHB harm reduction
GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutirate) was discoverde by 1950s. It was used in clinical practice between 1960 and 1970 as a sleeping pill and/or anaesthetic (in combination with other drugs) because of its low adverse effects and short duration of action, although it soon fell into disuse.
GBL/GHB
Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) is the immediate chemical precursor of GHB. It is a reagent with multiple applications in chemistry and cosmetics that can be purchased relatively easily over the Internet. The transformation of GBL into GHB is an extraordinarily simple process through reaction with sodium hydroxide (NaOH, caustic soda), ,potassium hydroxide (KOH) or sodium bicarbonate
This process is easy but require some cautions
It must be carried out in a glass vessel that can withstand high temperatures, using suitable products in the appropiate order. A precision balance is necessary to calculate exact weight of each component.
It is not too important if the final product contains too much GBL. But too much NaOH can cause serious health problems. The reaction produces a lot of heat and serious burns can occur. So wear protection glasses and gloves and pour slowly products.
Trustworthy guidelines for this process are available at: [Will import these post soon]
| GBL | GHB |
|---|---|
| Non scheduled | Included in UN Conventions (Scheduled) |
| Subtle chemical smell | Non odour |
| Disgusting taste | Lightly salted |
| Corrosive to some plastics, irritative to mucous membranes | Non corrosive |
The differences between GBL and GHB are important in terms of dosage. On the one hand, GBL has a higher density (weight units that fit in each volume unit) than GHB (1.6 g/ml vs. 1.002 g/ml). On the other hand, GBL and GHB molecules have different weights.
The effects of (solid) drugs are usually expressed by weight (micrograms like LSD, milligrams like MDMA or amphetamines...). In this case, the liquid presentation means that we also refer to the volume (ml).
| GHB weight | GHB volume | GBL volume | Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 1 gr | Below 1 ml | Below 0.6 ml | Decreased anxiety, moderate disinhibition |
| 1-2 gr | 1-2 ml | 0.6-1.25 ml | Feeling of relaxation, changes in music perception, dizziness, speech blurry |
| 2-4 gr | 2-4 ml | 0.25-2.5 ml | Feeling of relaxation, changes in music perception, dizziness, speech blurry |
| Corrosive to some plastics, irritative to mucous membranes | Non corrosive |
