News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2000

GHB ADDED TO THE LIST OF SCHEDULE I CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

Effective today, March 13, 2000, Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) was placed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). President Clinton signed the Hillary J. Farias and Samatha Reed Date-Rape Drug Prohibition Act of 1999 (Pub.L. 106-172) on February 18, 2000, directing DEA to issue a Final Order in the Federal Register placing GHB in Schedule I within 60 days. The Final Rule was published today. Therefore, effective immediately, GHB is subject to Federal regulatory controls and the criminal, civil and administrative sanctions specified in the Controlled Substances Act.

According to Donnie Marshall, Acting DEA Administrator, "Making GHB a Schedule I drug sends a strong message to America's teens and young adults that GHB is not a harmless 'party drug.' Almost 60 percent of GHB related deaths tragically involve young people between 20 and 29 years of age. Violators now face up to a 20-year sentence for illicit manufacture or trafficking of GHB, and if a death occurs a life sentence can be imposed."

More information about GHB is available in DEA's GHB fact sheet.