BZP is a recreational stimulant, which gained popularity in some countries in the early 2000’s as a legal alternative to amphetamine, methylamphetamine, and 3, 4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA - ecstasy). BZP is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant with about 10% of the potency of d-amphetamine.

The UK ACMD considers that the harms and misuse of BZP and substituted piperazines (identified in Annex 4) are commensurate with Class C, under Schedule 2, part III, of the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971); and should be scheduled under Schedule I of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (2001) (having no recognised medicinal use).