Possession of nitrous oxide will be illegal in the UK from November 8th. Repeat offenders then face up to two years in prison, the British government announced on Wednesday. “I am keeping my promise to eradicate anti-social behavior with the urgency it deserves,” said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Nitrous oxide (nitrous oxide) is the third most commonly used drug by 16 to 24 year olds in England, according to the Home Office. More and more incidents involving laughing gas are being reported to the police, such as “intimidating gatherings” and discarded canisters on the streets.
In the future, users can also receive an unlimited fine, a visible community penalty or a warning in the criminal record, it said. The maximum penalty for manufacturers and dealers is 14 years in prison. People with a legitimate reason for use are exempt from the ban. The ministry cited its use as painkillers during labor and in the catering industry as examples.
When you inhale nitrous oxide – directly from capsules or balloons – a short rush occurs. Great Britain is not the first country in Europe to take a tougher course. The Netherlands has already banned possession and sale with a few exceptions, and Denmark has also issued stricter regulations.
