Nitrous Oxide also known as laughing gas is to be banned under government plans to crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Levelling-Up Secretary Michael Gove announced the plans on the Sophy Ridge show on Sky News on Sunday morning, March 26th. Mr Gove said the ban would be issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, but a decision on what class the drug will fall under has not yet been made.

Confirming the ban on laughing gas, Mr Gove said: “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.”

He continued: “These laughing gas canisters are an increasing scourge, and one that has been reported to me as a constituency MP.”

Sophy Ridge asked: “Are you really going to give people a criminal record for a 30-second high from laughing gas?” Mr Gove initially avoided the question but then replied: “We need to deal with the scourge [of nitrous oxide]. It’s absolutely right we uphold the law in this case.”

When asked again whether the plans were hypocritical, given some MPs have been known to have taken drugs, including himself, he replied: “No, because I’ve learned. I’ve learned it’s a mistake, it’s worse than a mistake to regard drug taking as somehow acceptable.”

What is nitrous oxide?

Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide has become the second most popular drug used by 16-24 year-olds in the country. Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that is sold in canisters and typically inhaled using a balloon.

The gas is meant to be used by medical experts such as dentists to sedate patients undergoing minor medical procedures. However, over the years local high streets and alleyways have been blighted by discarded canisters dumped by people who have been using the drug recreationally.

According to drug awareness organisation Talk to Frank, taking the drug can make a user feel relaxed, giggly, dizzy, anxious or paranoid. While the common risks can mean the user will feel faint, lose consciousness, or possibly suffocate.

Back in 2020, concerned residents reported the rise in the use of laughing gas among teenagers during the pandemic. Just last year a 16-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after inhaling laughing gas at the Parklife music festival.