Laughing Gas Set for Ban: Jail Time for Users and Sellers
The UK government has announced it will classify nitrous oxide – aka laughing gas – as a Class C drug by the end of the year. That means users could face up to two years behind bars, with dealers staring down up to 14 years in prison.
Spike in Hospital Admissions Sparks Crackdown
Officials acted after a worrying surge in hospital admissions linked to nitrous oxide. The gas is the second most popular drug among 16 to 24-year-olds in England and is tied to serious health risks and rising anti-social behaviour.
After last month’s Notting Hill Carnival, local authorities scooped up a staggering 12,000 nitrous canisters – about 13 tonnes – far surpassing the expected five skip loads. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea led the clean-up effort at the world-famous event.
Government Cracks Down Amid Public Outcry
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove confirmed the ban in March, ignoring Home Office recommendations that did not call for prohibition. Home Secretary Suella Braverman slammed the “yobs” abusing drugs in public and trashing public spaces.
“The British people are fed up with yobs abusing drugs in public spaces and leaving behind a disgraceful mess for others to clean up,” said Braverman. “We are committed to zero tolerance on anti-social behaviour.”
She warned offenders face hefty fines and possible jail time.
Police to Step Up Patrols as Calls Skyrocket
New measures will boost police patrols in hotspot areas for faster enforcement of penalties. The London Ambulance Service revealed a massive jump in nitrous oxide-related 999 calls: 65 in 2021, skyrocketing to 213 in 2022, compared with just 36 in 2018.
The gas can cause loss of mobility, mental health problems, sexual dysfunction, and even death – with 62 fatalities linked to nitrous oxide since 2001.
Chris Philp, Crime and Policing Minister, stressed the urgent need to send a clear message on the consequences of drug misuse. The ban is part of the government’s wider Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan to crack down hard on public drug use and protect public health.
