Nitrous oxide: Laughing gas to be illegal by end of year

Laughing gas will be categorised as a class C drug and made illegal by the end of the year, the UK government has announced
BBC News (UK)
Wednesday, September 6, 2023

nitrous oxidePossession of nitrous oxide, also known as NOS, will carry a sentence of up to two years in prison. Laughing gas is one of the most commonly used recreational drugs by 16 to 24-year-olds. Heavy use can lead to a range of illnesses including nerve-related symptoms. Supply of nitrous oxide for recreational use is currently banned - but possession is not. The government's decision to make possession a crime goes against recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, which advised against new laws to ban nitrous oxide. It said a ban would be disproportionate with the amount of harm linked to the gas. Last week health experts also warned the government against a ban, saying it could stop users seeking medical help.