Possession of nitrous oxide will be illegal in Britain from November 8. “I stand by my commitment to stamping out anti-social behavior with the urgency it deserves,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, nitrous oxide is the third most common drug among 16 to 24 year olds.
Repeat offenders risk a prison sentence of two years from November 8. In total, the maximum penalty for manufacturers and dealers is fourteen years in prison, the British government announced on Wednesday. Consumption carries the risk of an unlimited fine, a visible community fine or a warning on the criminal record, the report said.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is the third most commonly used drug among 16 to 24-year-olds in Britain, according to the Home Office. More and more incidents involving laughing gas are being reported to the police, such as ‘intimidating gatherings’ and thrown gas bottles on the street.
Use as a painkiller permitted
When you inhale laughing gas, for example directly from capsules or balloons, you experience a short rush. However, certain people should be exempt from the ban if they have a legitimate reason to use it. This includes its use as a painkiller during contractions.
Great Britain is not the first country in Europe to take a tougher course. For example, the Dutch government has already banned possession and sale, with a few exceptions, and the Danish government has also issued stricter rules.
Source: Krone
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