Britain on Wednesday imposed a ban on the recreational use and possession of nitrous oxide which is also known as ‘laughing gas’.
Those who misuse this gas repeatedly could now face sentences of up to two years in jail.
Additionally, individuals involved in selling nitrous oxide, nicknamed “hippy crack,” may be subject to sentences of up to 14 years behind bars.
The ban, first proposed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government in March and now imposed under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act, is part of a wider crackdown on lawlessness before an expected general election next year.
In an official statement, policing minister Chris Philp said, “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.”
“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”.
Experts previously warned against a ban saying it would be disproportionate to the level of harm it causes.
Nitrous oxide is regularly used as a painkiller in medicine and dentistry. When mixed with oxygen, it is known as “gas and air”, which can help reduce pain during childbirth.
But it is also one of the most commonly used recreational drugs by 16 to 24-year-olds. It causes short-term euphoria but can damage the nervous system.
