FRANK gives the low down on GBL, synthetic cannabinoids and BZP.

A range of so called 'legal highs' including GBL, BZP and man-made chemicals sprayed on herbal smoking products such as 'Spice' have been banned by the Government and are now controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 – for example, in the same way as cannabis and cocaine. These former so called 'Legal highs' were made illegal on 23 December.

As with other illegal drugs, the risks increase if you combine these substances with alcohol, or other drugs. Here's what you need to know about the effects of these drugs, and the new classification:

GBL (Gamma-Butyrolactone):

• GBL is a colourless, oily liquid that tastes slightly salty. It is closely related to the illegal drug GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) and GBL converts to GHB shortly after entering the body. It can make you feel euphoric and reduce your inhibitions. However, it can also cause nausea, drowsiness, coma and seizures. It can be lethal if you drink alcohol at the same time as taking GBL. There's no such thing as a safe dose, but the more you take the more likely it is that you'll suffer the negative effects.
• GBL and it's like chemical 1,4-BD are now Class C drugs - when intended for human ingestion.
• You can get up to two years in prison, and/or an unlimited fine, for possession, and up to 14 years in prison, and/or an unlimited fine, for supply.

BZP (Benzylpiperazine):

• BZP comes as a tablet, a capsule, or an off-white powder. It's sometimes sold as 'ecstasy' or 'legal E'. It is a stimulant so the effects are like amphetamine. BZP is a derivative of piperazine, which is used as an anti-worming agent for farm animals. Effects include decreased appetite, difficulty in sleeping, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, agitation, collapse, fits or seizures.
• BZP and related piperazines are now controlled as Class C drugs.
• You can get up to two years in prison, and/or an unlimited fine, for possession, and up to 14 years in prison, and/or an unlimited fine, for supply.

Synthetic cannabinoids:

• These are man made chemicals found in "herbal" smoking mixes - one of the better-known brand names is 'Spice' - they mimic the psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active principle in cannabis. However, they could be more harmful than cannabis, because of the way they are made.
• Synthetic cannabinoids are now controlled as Class B drugs, (like cannabis).
• You can get up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine, for possession, and up to 14 years in prison, and/or an unlimited fine, for supply.