Anyone who inhales laughing gas experiences a brief rush. This is why young people in Great Britain in particular are turning to nitrous oxide cartridges. The police are recording more and more cases. Now possession is prohibited.
In Great Britain, people will no longer be allowed to possess laughing gas because it can be abused as a drug. From November 8th, possession of the substance will be a criminal offense and repeat offenders could face up to two years in prison, the British government announced. “I am keeping my promise to stamp out anti-social behavior with the urgency it deserves,” said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Third most common drug among young people
Nitrous oxide, known as nitrous oxide, is the third most commonly used drug among 16- to 24-year-olds, according to the Home Office. When inhaling the gas, consumers experience a brief rush. More and more incidents involving laughing gas are being reported to the police, such as “intimidating gatherings” and discarded cartridges on the streets.
Persons who have a legitimate reason for using it are exempt from the ban. The government mentioned uses as painkillers during labor and in the catering industry, where nitrous oxide is used, for example, as a propellant for cream dispensers.
Other countries are also tightening rules
Anyone who possesses laughing gas illegally should be able to receive, in addition to a prison sentence, an unlimited fine, a visible community punishment or a warning.
Britain is not the first country to tighten rules on nitrous oxide. The Netherlands has also banned sales and possession with a few exceptions, and Denmark has tightened its requirements. The EU warned last year about the possible health consequences of consumption. In Germany, nitrous oxide cartridges for cream dispensers are freely available.