Former Government Chief Drug Advisor speaks out and has called for a new approach to drugs that have very little scientific information.  Prof Nutt suggests the approach taken by New Zealand where a Class D has been created which includes BZP.  This new classification would act as a holding class for drugs such as mephedrone: restricting sales to over-18s; and quality control of product to educate users and provide health messages.

After the recent deaths of two teenagers who had taken the ‘legal high’ mephedrone, Prof Nutt has backed the Government in treating this as a priority.

Will the UK follow suit and will there be a Class D?

GBL, BZP and synthetic cannabinoids illegalised GBL (Gamma-Butyrolactone), BZP (Benzylpiperazine) and synthetic cannabinoids – once considered ‘legal highs’ are no longer legal anymore as of 23rd December 2009.   These are now controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.  The move follows advice provided by the Advisory Council of the Misuse of Drugs, as an independent advisor to the government, of the harmful effects that these substances pose to society.

GBL, a chemical solvent which is converted into the drug GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate) in the body, is now controlled alongside GHB as a Class C drug when intended for human consumption.

BZP and related piperazines, stimulants which are similar to amphetamine and which had been marketed as a legal alternative to ecstasy, are now controlled as Class C drugs.

The products known as Spice, synthetic cannabinoids sprayed onto herbal smoking products, are now controlled alongside cannabis in Class B.