The possession of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, for the purpose of achieving a psychoactive high, was made illegal in the United Kingdom on Wednesday. Repeat offenders could face imprisonment for up to two years, while those involved in its distribution may be sentenced to as long as 14 years behind bars.
The sale of small canisters containing nitrous oxide has witnessed a significant increase in recent decades, primarily among young individuals who use the substance recreationally to experience a rapid high.
Medical professionals have cautioned that prolonged use of nitrous oxide can lead to health issues such as anemia, nerve damage, and spinal injuries. Additionally, these canisters have become a common sight in both urban and suburban areas of Britain and have been linked to anti-social behavior.
This prohibition, initially proposed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government in March, has now been implemented under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act. It forms part of a broader effort to combat lawlessness in anticipation of an upcoming general election next year.
The Conservative Party, currently in power, seems to be banking on its historical reputation as the party championing strict law and order policies to help them narrow the polling gap with the main opposition party, Labour.
“Today we are sending a clear signal to people, especially young people, that not only is abuse of nitrous oxide dangerous to their health, but it is also illegal,” policing minister Chris Philp said.
“For too long the use of this drug in public spaces has contributed to anti-social behaviour which is a blight on communities. We will not accept it,” he added.
He said that police now have “the powers they need to take a zero-tolerance approach to this crime,” warning those caught possessing nitrous oxide “will face consequences”.
British law already bans the “knowing or reckless” supply of nitrous oxide for inhalation outside of medical uses. But the canisters have become easily available online and on the streets.
Under the new powers, possessing the drug with the intent to “wrongfully inhale it for a psychoactive effect” is an offence, the interior ministry said.
Those breaching the law could face an unlimited fine, a visible community punishment, or a caution visible on their criminal record.
Serious repeat offenders could be jailed.
The maximum sentence for production, supply importation or exportation of the drug for unlawful purposes has been doubled, from seven to 14 years’ imprisonment.
Nitrous oxide has long been used in healthcare, catering and other industries, and those with a legitimate reason for possessing the substance are exempt from the ban, the ministry noted.
