Nitrous Oxide: Investigation

What is nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas, most commonly found in pressurised metal canisters.

It’s used by dentists and midwives (when mixed with oxygen), and can also be used for whipping cream.

It is also used as a psychoactive substance, mainly by younger people, when inhaled for a short term high.

Is it new?

No, it’s been around since the 1700s.

It’s also known as “laughing gas” “nos” and “hippy crack”

Dr Suzi Gage is author of the book “Say Why? To Drugs”.

She can tell us more about where it came from:

What does it do to you?

TalktoFrank.com says nitrous oxide slows down your brain and your body’s responses, and the effects of the drug varies depending on how much has been inhaled.

It can cause:

• feelings of euphoria, relaxation and calmness

• fits of giggles and laughter – hence the nickname ‘laughing gas’

• sound distortions and hallucinations – when you see or hear things that aren't there

What are the downsides?

Nitrous oxide can:

• give you a severe headache

• cause dizziness

• stop you thinking straight

• cause short-lived but intense feelings of paranoia

What are the most serious risks?

The number of deaths caused by nitrous oxide use is significantly lower than many other drugs, even legal ones like alcohol, BUT:

• Heavy regular use of nitrous oxide can cause a vitamin B12 deficiency. That can lead to serious nerve damage, which causing tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes. It can be very painful and make walking difficult.

• If you use it regularly it can stop the body’s ability to form white blood cells properly.

• Inhaling directly from a canister instead of a balloon can be very dangerous because its pressurised and incredibly cold.

How common is its use?

The 2018/19 Crime Survey shows nitrous oxide is the second most popular substance for 16-24 year olds, behind cannabis.

More than half a million young people took it that year.

In total, more than 750,000 people took it over the course of 12 months, which is the third highest rate behind cocaine and cannabis.

The Global Drugs Survey found it was used less shortly after being included in the Psychoactive substances Act of 2016, but since then, use has returned to pre-Act levels.

Why are there so many canisters discarded in our parks and streets?

People insert the gas into balloons and then inhale for a short-term high. They then discard the steel canisters on the floor.

Steel takes many centuries to decompose.

Keep Britain Tidy say the situation is so bad they’re officially adding the canisters to their list of types of litter counted during their annual survey.

They say once they have the results of the 2020 survey they’ll know officially how bad the situation is.

Richard McIlwain is Deputy Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy:

Is it legal?

It’s not illegal to consume, or possess nitrous oxide.

Under the 2016 Psychoactive Substances Act, it’s illegal to supply if the vendor knows it’s going to be used as a recreational substance.

It’s also illegal if you buy it, intending to sell it or give it away to your friends for use as a psychoactive substance.

You can also face prosecution if you try to drive while under its influence.

What steps need to be taken next?

Many people who work in the field of drugs suggest a total ban on these canisters would drive the problem elsewhere. Some believe there should be clearer warning signs on packaging, and better public health education around the effects of nitrous oxide.

Others want local councils and police forces to enforce current Public Space Protection Orders to make it an offence to use nitrous oxide in certain parks or streets. Again, there are concerns that will just move the issue elsewhere.

Online retailers face further challenges over the online sale of nitrous oxide, as it’s harder to judge the reasons why someone is purchasing it compared to selling it over the counter.

Steve Rolles is Senior Policy Analyst for Transform Drugs Policy Foundation.

He says education needs to be at the heart of any government policy on the matter in the future.

Where can I find out more?

Talk to Frank has some basic facts, laid out in a clear concise way - click here to read

The government website has details of the law around its sale - more here

Drugwise have produced this document, which might be helpful - here's a link

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