Nitrous Oxide to be officially banned from November

The government will officially make possession of nitrous oxide, otherwise known as 'laughing gas', an illegal offence from November.

From November 8, 2023, it will be classed as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This will put it in the same classification as other substances such as GHB and anabolic steroids.

Repeated serious users could face up to two years in prison while dealers could face 14 years. Consequences could also include an unlimited fine, visible community punishment, and a caution that would appear on a criminal record.

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Crime and Policing Minister Chris Philp said: “We are delivering on the promise we made to take a zero-tolerance approach towards antisocial 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.”

However, legitimate uses of nitrous oxide will be exempt from the. This include catering purposes and uses in maternity wards when it is used as pain reliever during labour.

The government clarified that licences will not be required to carry nitrous oxide, but those found in posession will need to demonstrate that it will be used for lawful purposes and not for consumption for its psychoactive effects.

CEO of Neighbourhood Watch John Hayward-Cripps said: “At Neighbourhood Watch, we support the Government’s ban on nitrous oxide under new legislation