Laughing Gas Set to Be Illegal Starting November 8
The Home Office has confirmed its decision to make the possession of nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, illegal. The ban will come into effect on November 8, classifying nitrous oxide as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This follows a vote to categorise nitrous oxide as a Class C drug by Members of Parliament, with a staggering vote count of 404 in favour and 36 against last month in an attempt to crack down on anti-social behaviour and public drug use.
The penalties for possessing nitrous oxide will include an unlimited fine, community service, or a caution. "Repeat serious offenders" could potentially face up to two years in prison,and those involved in the production or supply of the gas for unlawful purposes may face a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. While the ban is aimed at discouraging the misuse of nitrous oxide, it will still allow for legitimate use in specific situations, such as for pain relief and in catering. Licences will not be required, but individuals in possession of the gas must be able to demonstrate lawful possession and intent for non-psychoactive purposes.
Ministers urge producers and suppliers to not be reckless when selling laughing gas, as it will be an offence to “turn a blind eye”.
Crime and Policing Minister Chris Philp stated, "We are delivering on the promise we made to take a zero-tolerance approach towards anti-social behaviour and flagrant drug taking in our public spaces. Abuse of nitrous oxide is also dangerous to people's health, and today we are sending a clear signal to young people that there are consequences for misusing drugs. Both users and dealers will face the full force of the law for their actions."
The ban has gained support from various quarters, including the Night-time Industries Association, who emphasised the need for a comprehensive education and harm-reduction strategy alongside the ban. However, some individuals have argued that a crackdown on nitrous oxide might lead users to seek it from less regulated sources or experiment with other substances.
