APPLYING THE SCIENCE 7.1 GHB as an Anesthetic

The anesthetic power of GHB was illustrated in a recent case reported in the Journal of Forensic Sciences. When paramedics arrived at the home of a couple, they discovered the woman bleeding from the mouth. Both residents were chronic abusers of GHB. At the home, the responders found 18 teeth that had been removed from the woman s mouth with a pair of bloody pliers also found at the scene. Later interviews were unable to con- 

Source Pretty, 1. A., cind R. C. HeiU. Self-extraction of Teeth Involving Gamma-Hydroxybutiyic Acid. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 49 2004,1069-1072. 

The alternative method, setting the pH to acidic conditions, might seem a better option, but also fails. At a pH of 2, the esterification of GHB takes 

In terms of caseloads, marijuana represents the bulk of the work in most forensic chemistry sections and the largest number of case submissions to most full-service forensic laboratories. It is also the most widely available, most widely used illegal drug in the United States, where one-third of the population has reportedly tried it. Marijuana (also spelled marihuana ) is 

Form morphology Plant matter, resin (hashish) 

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