Laughing Gas To Be Banned Under UK’s New Anti-Drug Laws

Nitrous oxide – also known as laughing gas or NOS – is set to be banned in the UK as the party drug is the second most used among 16 to 24-year-olds. As part of a wider crackdown on antisocial behavior, possessing or selling laughing gas will become a criminal offense for the first time. 

Last week, Britain’s government announced the ban would be issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. However, it is not clear what drug class – A, B, or C – laughing gas will fall under. 

Levelling up secretary Michael Gove confirmed the news last Sunday, 26th of March, on the Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme. Gove said the ban is “absolutely vital” to “deal with this scourge.” 

“I think anyone who has the opportunity to walk through our parks in our major cities will have seen these little silver canisters, which are examples of people not only spoiling public spaces but taking a drug which can have a psychological and neurological effect and one that contributes to antisocial behaviour overall.” 

Supplying nitrous oxide outside medical use is already a criminal offense. But the laughing gas ban will make possession, use, and distribution illegal. 

A Sky News undercover investigation revealed that small canisters of laughing gas are sold at local corner shops. Getting nitrous oxide is as easy as buying candy, as cashiers don’t ask buyers about their age or use intent.

Despite heavy backing from the government, the UK’s drug advisory panel rejected calls to ban laughing gas’ recreational use. The Home Office asked the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to review laughing gas’ harm in 2021.

The ACMD concluded that sanctions for use and possession are “disproportionate” to the level of harm associated with the substance. 

Last year, EU drug experts said the use of laughing gas is skyrocketing among younger generations. While the psychoactive substance is used in medical industries as an anesthetic, laughing gas can be “dangerous and life-threatening in the case of overuse or misuse,” according to Healthline.