From November 8, inhaling nitrous oxide to produce a ‘high’ will be illegal in the United Kingdom (UK) and those breaking the law could receive prison sentence for repeat serious offenders.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports nitrous oxide is a colourless gas, also known as ‘laughing gas’ that is misused for its psychoactive effects.
Nitrous oxide can be misused for its psychoactive effects, to ‘get a high’, by inhalation.
The ban follows increasingly growing concerns about misuse of nitrous oxide and its impacts.
It is already illegal to produce, supply, import or export nitrous oxide for psychoactive purposes in the UK.
However, the law has been updated to also make possession of nitrous oxide illegal, unless for a legitimate reason, making it a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
“It will be a criminal offence to be found in possession of the drug where it’s intended use is to be inhaled for psychoactive effects, or ‘to get high’.
“From 8 November, those found in unlawful possession will face either an unlimited fine, a visible community punishment, or a caution – which would appear on their criminal record – and for repeat serious offenders, a prison sentence of up to two years.
“The penalty for supply or production will double, to up to 14 years in prison,” the media fact sheet on nitrous oxide ban released by the UK government on Wednesday reads.
TNG reports heavy nitrous oxide use can result in serious health harms such as neurological damage and even death due to the risk of falling unconscious and/or suffocating from the lack of oxygen.
Other harms associated with nitrous oxide include dizziness, vitamin B deficiency and nerve damage that can result from heavy long-term use.
Meanwhile, there are a broad range of legitimate uses of nitrous oxide, for example pain relief in medical settings, including dentistry.
It is also used legitimately in industry, for manufacturing and technical processes, such as food packaging, but also in catering, as a whipped cream propellant.
Hobbyists also use it in activities such as drag racing and model rocketry.
“All sizes of nitrous oxide cannisters are illegal if the supplier or owner does not have a legitimate reason.
“The government is determined to crack down on the organised criminals behind illicit drugs supply.
“Anyone who plans to inhale the drug themselves for psychoactive effect, or suppliers or producers who turn a blind eye to buyers of their products will be committing offences.
“Anti-social behaviour on our streets won’t be tolerated,” the media fact sheet added.
Nitrous oxide abuse: Concerns in Nigeria
In Nigeria, nitrous oxide abuse was fast emerging, especially by young partygoers or funseekers to feel intoxicated or high.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recently launched a campaign in Lagos State to clamp down on illegal sales and consumption of the substance.
Mr Umar Adoro, NDLEA Commander in Lagos had said the agency was working hard to tackle the emerging trend because of its implication on the nervous system.
“The abuse of the gas slows down brain and body responses. However, the effects of the drug varies depending on the quantity inhaled.
“Taking nitrous oxide can cause feelings of euphoria, relaxation, fits of giggles and laughter – hence, the nickname ‘laughing gas.
“The gas is often transferred from its containers into balloons, from where it’s inhaled for euphoric effects,” Adoro said.
He warned Nigerians who deals on the substance to have a change of heart as their activity negates morality.
He said the anti-narcotic agency would remain ever committed to its mandate of clearing the country of illicit drug trafficking.
NDLEA boss orders nationwide clampdown on illegal sale of laughing gas
Earlier in July, Chairman of NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa had ordered a nationwide clampdown on illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide, otherwise know as ‘laughing gas’.
The order was contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi in Abuja.
Marwa directed all NDLEA commands and formations to immediately clampdown on ‘laughing gas.’
He explained that the directive was sequel to the abuse of the substance by people who use it for recreational purposes.
Marwa said the decision to clampdown on those involved in the illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide, followed the analysis of its effects on those who abuse the substance.
This, he said, included: dizziness; disorientation, headache; light headedness; fainting spells; hallucinations; falling unconscious and/or suffocating from lack of oxygen; and other neurological complications, especially psychiatric symptoms.
The NDLEA boss said pending when other measures were taken in consultation with other stakeholders, especially the Federal Ministry of Health, to curb the menace, it would not hesitate to wield the big stick against anyone.
He said, “no matter their social status, on those involved in illegal sale or use of nitrous oxide in the overall interest of public health, we will clampdown,” he said.
Marwa urged parents, guardians and other stakeholders to be vigilant, alert and warned their young ones against attempting experimenting or abusing the substance, which poses threats to their mental and overall wellbeing.
