Possession of nitrous oxide with the intention of using it to achieve a “psychoactive effect” is now illegal in the UK.
Nitrous oxide, also known as NOS and nicknamed “hippie crack”, is now classified as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
This means repeat offenders caught in possession of the drug can now be jailed for up to two years, while those caught dealing the drug could face up to 14 years in jail.
It remains possible to use the gas for legitimate purposes, such as food, pain relief during childbirth, or in model rockets.
No permits are required to transport nitrous oxide, but users must prove that they legally possess the gas and have no intention of illegally inhaling it.
Chris Philp, Minister for Crime and Policing, said: “Today we are sending a clear message to people, especially young people, that misusing nitrous oxide is not only dangerous to their health, it is also illegal and that those found guilty of having nitrous oxide “If If you get caught, you will have to face the consequences.”
How does nitrous oxide affect your body?
Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas that is sold in cans and is usually inhaled using a balloon.
Drug counselor Frank says it slows down your brain and body’s response, and the effects vary depending on how much you inhale.
It is said that taking nitrous oxide can lead to:
- feelings of euphoria, relaxation and calm;
- bouts of giggles and laughter;
- Sound distortions and hallucinations.
The drug may also:
- cause severe headaches;
- cause dizziness;
- Stop thinking clearly.
- cause a short-term but strong feeling of paranoia.
The duration of the effect depends on how much a person has taken, but is usually between one and two minutes.
Frank says: “Laughing gas is often taken in combination with other medications. Therefore, the effects may be unpredictable because they depend on what other medications are taken at the same time.
“This is a short-acting medication that can cause people to repeat dosages frequently and end up consuming more than they intended.”
Is laughing gas dangerous?
Frank says if you consume too much nitrous oxide, you risk passing out and/or suffocating due to lack of oxygen, which has led to deaths in the past.
The service adds: “Regular consumption of large amounts of nitrous oxide can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and a form of anemia.” Severe B12 deficiency can cause severe nerve damage, as well as tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes. This can be very painful and make walking difficult. Paralysis may even occur and the damage may be irreversible.
“With regular use, proper white blood cell production may be impaired.”
It is very dangerous to inhale nitrous oxide directly from the canister because the gas is under such high pressure and comes out very cold, meaning it can damage your throat and lungs. It can also stop your breathing or slow your heart rate to dangerous levels.
Psychological dependence on nitrous oxide is possible, although it is not necessarily addictive and evidence for this is limited.
Why is laughing gas banned?
Explaining the reason for the Government’s ban, Mr Philp said 230,000 young people had inhaled “this harmful substance” in the year to June 2022.
Speaking in the House of Commons in September, he said clean-up crews collected around 13 tonnes of nitrous oxide bottles at Notting Hill Carnival.
“For too long, the use of this drug in public has contributed to anti-social behavior that is harmful to society. We will not accept this,” Philp said in a statement.
In September, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said people were “fed up” with drug use in public and Britain’s streets were littered with discarded gas cylinders.
Source: I News
I’m Raymond Molina, a professional writer and journalist with over 5 years of experience in the media industry. I currently work for 24 News Reporters, where I write for the health section of their news website. In my role, I am responsible for researching and writing stories on current health trends and issues. My articles are often seen as thought-provoking pieces that provide valuable insight into the state of society’s wellbeing.