BZP has similar effects to amphetamines and other central nervous system stimulants. When combined with TFMPP (triflouro-methyl-phenylpiperazine) its effects mimic those of MDMA or ecstasy, though TFMPP alone has no psychoactive effect.
Human and animal research has demonstrated that BZP is similar to other central nervous system stimulants such as amphetamines, methamphetamines, and MDMA (ecstasy), but at about one tenth the strength.
Until 1 April 2008, BZP party pills were restricted under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 which meant that they were legal to sell with certain restrictions.
The BZP party pill industry grew rapidly from 2000 until 2008 when BZP was criminalised. The industry estimated that 5 million BZP party pills were consumed in 2007, and over 20 million were consumed since the industry was established.
The Drug Foundation’s message is clear: no drug use is the safest drug use. However, we know there will be occasions when people ignore warnings and use drugs in a dangerous manner. To help keep communities safe we therefore provide information about proven methods of drug harm reduction.
