GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) was developed as an anaesthetic drug and used as a licensed drug in some member states of the European Union. In Ireland it is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations, 1993. It is a Schedule 3 controlled drug, so a person may only be in possession of it when it is prescribed by a medical practitioner. It is colourless, odourless and sometimes tasteless.
There is little evidence of its misuse in any member state of the European Union, including Ireland. It is a depressant/hypnotic drug and its effects are similar to those produced by alcohol and cannabis. It has been abused by bodybuilders because of its anabolic properties. There is anecdotal evidence at a European level that GHB has the potential for being used for date rape, but there is no firm evidence to substantiate this.