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Introduction

Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) is an industrial chemical,
and is illicitly used as a substitute and chemical precursor to
gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB). GBL and 1,4-butadiene
(BD) are structurally similar to GHB and there is evidence to
confirm that GBL and BD are converted to GHB after oral
administration.
GHB is a schedule I depressant. GHB abuse became
popular among teens and young adults at dance clubs and
“raves” in the 1990s, and gained notoriety as a date rape
drug.

llicit Uses:
GBL is abused for its euphoric and sedative effects.
GBL is mainly self-ingested, with an average recreational
oral dose of 1 mL. GBL has a faster onset of effects and
longer duration compared to GHB.
User Population:
GBL is abused as a substitute for GHB due to its
intoxicating effects. GBL/GHB is abused by teens and young
adults as an alcohol substitute, at all-night parties and
“raves,” and for enhanced sexual experiences.
Illicit Distribution:
GBL is typically marketed for sale as a cleaning solvent
or polish. GBL is used as a GHB substitute and as a
precursor for clandestine manufacturing of GHB.
The DEA’s National Forensic Laboratory Information
System (NFLIS) Drug database, which collects scientifically
verified data on drug items and cases submitted to and
analyzed by participating federal, state and local forensic
laboratories in the United States, indicates that there were
149 reports of GBL in 2021, 104 in 2022, and 38 in 2023
(reports still pending). In total, there have been over 5,000
reports of GBL to NFLIS-Drug since it was first reported in
1998.
Control Status:
GBL is a list I chemical under the Controlled Substances
Act (CSA).
If intended for human consumption, GBL may be treated
as a schedule I controlled substance analogue for the
purpose of Federal law pursuant to 21 U.S.C. § 813, if found
to meet the criteria outlined in 21 U.S.C. § 802(32).

GBL, Blue Nitro, Blue Nitro Vitality, Revivarant, RenewTrient,
Fire Water, Gamma-G, GH Revitalizer, Remforce

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