Today the Government announced that Nitrous Oxide will become an illegal Class C substance by the end of the year.
The Government has recognised that the use of nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, is having a negative effect on people and communities, being the third most misused drug in the UK. There has been an increase in social harms such as drug-driving and littering of discarded canisters. With widespread availability, young people can purchase catering-sized cannisters, putting themselves at risk of serious neurological harm from consuming it in significant volumes.
Following a consultation which ran from 2nd May 2023 to 27th June 2023, the Government assessed the extent and nature of legitimate uses of nitrous oxide. Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire, The Rt Hon Chris Philp today announced that the Government will protect the legitimate use of nitrous oxide, but using this substance as a drug will be prohibited under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Welcoming the decision, Jane Stevenson MP said:
"I first called for a ban in August 2020, and I'm so pleased my campaign has been successful.
Many young people feel nitrous oxide is a harmless drug, but that is not the case. Inhaling large amounts can lead to paralysis and even death. I want to pay tribute to people like Olivia Golding, a young mother who was paralysed after inhaling too much nitrous oxide. She has lost her job and is now confined to a wheelchair. Since her paralysis, Olivia has been campaigning to warn other young people that what seems like a bit of fun can have devastating, long-term consequences.
With super-sized canisters being cheap and easy to buy online we have seen a huge rise in consumption, often by young people who don't realise the serious health risks of this drug.
I hope this Government ban will cut down on the ASB and litter associated with this drug and prevent serious harm to young people inhaling it.”
