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What is GBH?

On Behalf of | Apr 20, 2017 | Criminal Defense

Most students on college campuses in Virginia and their parents have heard media references to things called date-rape drugs. But, how well do you relaly know what these substances are or can do? If you or someone you know has been accused of a sex crime like date rape, you may want to educate yourself about these things.

As explained by WebMD, perhaps the most widely known or used date-rape drug is gamma-hydroxybutric acid. Perhaps one of the reasons for this drug’s popularity is its ease of use and lack of detectability in certain situations. GBH is most frequently found in a liquid form and is said to be easy to mix into other drinks. Because it has no smell, someone who is given a drink with GBH in it may well not know it is there.

GBH may increase forgetfulness and make a person feel sleepy. It can take effect in as little as 15 minutes and wear off within a matter of six hours. Both heart rate and respiration may drop as the drug is a depressant. In extreme cases, a coma may result but full recoery may be possible within eight hours. Muscle tone may also be reduced or lost. Urine tests may show GBH up to 12 hours after it has been ingested.

This information is not intended to provide legal advice but is instead meant to give people in Virginia an overview of a common date-rape drug and the situations in which it may be accused to have been used.

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