The United Kingdom will now ban the recreational possession of nitrous oxide, a potentially harmful substance whose use has soared, the government announced on Wednesday.
• Also read: Warning against misuse of “laughing gas”
• Also read: The Netherlands bans the recreational use of nitrous oxide
• Also read: Drugs: ‘Laughing gas’ wreaks havoc in France and causes concern in Quebec
Nitrous oxide is now considered a Class C drug, as are, for example, anabolic steroids and khat, meaning that “possession (…) with the intent to inhale it improperly to produce a psychoactive effect is now considered a criminal offense. The Interior Ministry announced this in a statement.
“Today we are sending a clear signal to the population and especially to young people” who particularly value this easily accessible and inexpensive substance, said Interior Minister Chris Philp.
“For too long, the use of this drug in public spaces has contributed to anti-social behavior that is a blight in our communities,” he added.
The European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction was alarmed last year by a “worrying” increase in recreational use of nitrous oxide in certain regions of Europe.
This gas is valued for its short psychoactive effects – about three to four minutes – when inhaled.
In the United Kingdom, people were particularly impressed by the images of dozens of canisters scattered on the streets during London’s famous Notting Hill carnival. 13 tons were collected after the demonstration.
Consumers now face a fine and a two-year prison sentence if they repeat the offense. Manufacturing and selling nitrous oxide for “illegal” purposes is punishable by 14 years in prison, compared to the previous seven years.
This ban does not affect the “legitimate” use of this substance, for example in medical settings as an anesthetic, in kitchen siphons or in industry.
The Netherlands also banned recreational use of nitrous oxide last year, while sales to minors are banned in France.