Drug popular among young people
Britain bans private possession of nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide cartridges on a street. The gas is inhaled by consumers through cans or balloons.
© Julia Kilian / DPA
Nitrous oxide is the third most commonly used drug among 16- to 24-year-olds in the country, according to the Home Office. The government now wants to put a stop to this.
Third most commonly used drug among young people: Great Britain bans laughing gas
Nitrous oxide (nitrous oxide) is the third most commonly used drug by 16 to 24 year olds in England, according to the Home Office. More and more incidents involving laughing gas are being reported to the police, such as “intimidating gatherings” and discarded canisters on the streets.
In the future, users can also receive an unlimited fine, a visible community penalty or a warning in the criminal record, it said. The maximum penalty for manufacturers and dealers is 14 years in prison. People with a legitimate reason for use are exempt from the ban. The ministry cited its use as painkillers during labor and in the catering industry as examples.
When you inhale laughing gas – for example directly from capsules or balloons – you experience a short rush. Great Britain is not the first country in Europe to take a tougher course. The Netherlands has already banned possession and sale with a few exceptions, and Denmark has also issued stricter regulations.