Where to get laughing gas uk

While no drug is without harm, inhaling nitrous oxide through balloons significantly reduces the risk of suffocation. In this light, it might be understandable that the government wants to take a new approach.

This raises important questions as to the purpose and function of drug laws. Discarded canisters are a visible and unpleasant littering problem , but this should be seen in the context of existing littering laws, cuts to local littering budgets , and the lack of places to recycle the canisters at nighttime venues.

If reduction of harm is the main concern, then this is rarely achieved through drug laws. These often lead to the emergence of potentially more harmful substances, more risky use behaviour, and hesitancy in seeking help as users fear legal repercussions.

There will also be tricky regulatory pathways to navigate if the catering industry faces burdensome new barriers. There are several ways this could be done without ratcheting up penal sanctions.

The giant online retailers could actively remove listings. Catering suppliers could clamp down on bulk purchases by limiting how many nitrous oxide canisters can be bought at once, and restricting sales to approved or registered purchasers. Local authorities could also be encouraged to use existing powers on anti-social behaviour. Although with cuts to local enforcement and environmental health teams it may be tempting to offload enforcement to equally stretched police forces.

Misusing drugs can have a devastating impact on lives and communities — we are determined to do all we can to address this issue and protect the futures of our children and young people. Should the expert Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs recommend further restrictions on this drug, we stand ready to take tough action. The sale of nitrous oxide for its psychoactive effects was made illegal after the Psychoactive Substances Act in , but it is not currently a crime to be caught in possession of the drug.

The government has concerns that this could be a significant factor resulting in the increasing consumption of the substance.

The ACMD previously provided advice on nitrous oxide in and concluded that it did not seem to warrant control under the Misuse of Drugs Act However, given the increase in use among young people and concern over potential long-term effects, the Home Secretary has requested an updated assessment. In , 8. The government is taking a whole-system approach to tackling drugs — actively disrupting criminal supply chains which fuel illegal markets, supporting people through treatment and recovery, and ridding communities of the harm drug misuse causes.

Dame Carol Black was recently appointed as an independent advisor to drive forward progress in tackling drug misuse across society. The package included:. To help us improve GOV. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Commonly known as the laughing gas, it is a common sight in clubs and parties.

Also read Climate change: US extreme weather conditions associated to Arctic warming. Nitrous oxide is also easily available online, however, majority of the suppliers attach a warning against using this drug for psychoactive properties. View in App. Follow Us. Story highlights While Patel believes this is an important step to control drug usage in the country, some experts have opposed this move and warned against a possible spread of hesitancy in young people.

Also read Cats experiencing 'life threatening' stress due to extra attention from owners Patel has directed the independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs ACMD to review the harms of nitrous oxide, in order to help the government take a concrete decision on its legal status.

Also read Climate change: US extreme weather conditions associated to Arctic warming Nitrous oxide is also easily available online, however, majority of the suppliers attach a warning against using this drug for psychoactive properties.