European Region (Commonwealth Union)_ Brits caught with the substance also known as NOS or nangs – with the intent of getting high can be put behind bars.
From 8th November, those found in possession of nitrous oxide could be slapped with an unlimited fine, a ‘visible’ community punishment, a caution which will appear on their criminal record, or a two-year jail term.
Being in possession of laughing gas with the intent of getting high has been made illegal in the UK from today (November 8) and repeat offenders will face up to two years in jail.
The ban was promised as part of the Government’s anti-social behaviour action plan making nitrous oxide a class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
But don’t worry if you’re an innocent chef simply using it to whip cream, since there will be exemptions under the new law.
Nitrous oxide is now being classed as a class C drug and those abusing it for ‘psychoactive effects’ can be locked up for up to two years.
The maximum possible sentence for laughing gas dealers has also doubled to 14 years.
The ban comes as part of a government crackdown on the canisters littering the streets and to stop anti-social behaviour.
Suella Braverman, Home Secretary said ‘yobs’ were taking over public spaces and ‘leaving a disgraceful mess for others to clean up’.
The health implications of nitrous oxide abuse have also given ministers the push to make its possession a criminal offence.
Laughing gas has become popular among young people who are looking for a quick hit to help them feel relaxed or giggly, but it doesn’t come without risks.
Thousands of young people who have succumbed to temptation ended up becoming hooked on the brief high they provide.
But the consequences – such as loss of eyesight and nerve damage by using nitrous oxide can be devastating.
As well as this, too much nitrous oxide can make you faint, lose consciousness, or suffocate. according to FRANK.
People will not have to carry laughing gas licenses, but they will have to prove they are lawfully in possession of the drug.
Two government-led reviews found that despite the ban being welcomed by officials, the substance wasn’t dangerous enough to be made illegal.
Dr David Nicholl, Leading neurologist in nitrous oxide abuse, told Sky News: “I am really worried that criminalisation of users will prevent people suffering from side effects from seeking health advice.
The Metropolitan Police’s former assistant commissioner Dal Babu said the law will be ‘difficult’ for cops to enforce.
Now categorised as a class C drug, nicknamed ‘hippy crack’ – Dealers who try to sell nitrous oxide for its ‘psychoactive effects’ could face up to 14 years behind bars.
Authorities have begun a crackdown on the euphoric drug after a rampant increase in anti-social behavior.
Festivals and high streets across the United Kingdom are often littered with dozens of the silver canisters after the weekend, but authorities are attempting to put a stop to it.
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs warned that the new laws could have unintended consequences, as users may not seek medical help for fear of jail time.
The gas could still be used for legitimate reasons like catering, pain relief during labour or in model rockets despite the ban being in place.
Users will need to demonstrate they are lawfully in possession of the gas and not intending to wrongfully inhale it although licences will not be required to carry nitrous oxide.
What is a class C drug?
Drugs are split into classes with each class which result in different penalties for possession and supply and production of them.
A class C drug means that anyone caught in possession of it could face up to two years in prison, an unlimited fine or even both, according to the government website.
The Home Office said nitrous oxide is the third most used drug among 16 to 24-year-olds in England and police have reported links to antisocial behavior which has included intimidating gatherings in children’s parks and on high streets with empty canisters strewn across public spaces.
