The Dutch government are set to ban the use of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas from January 2023 over concerns around health risks and road safety.
The ban will make it illegal to buy, sell or own the gas with a few exceptions for medical use and in the food industry. Furthermore, the government hopes the ban will reduce the number of road traffic accidents involving the drug.
State secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport, Maarten Van Ooijen, said the recreational use of laughing gas poses “enormous health risks”.
The recreational use of Nitrous oxide, which is inhaled from a balloon has become increasingly common in recent years. According to the Trimbos institute, one in 50 Dutch adults used laughing gas in 2020. The institute also highlighted the growing use of the substance by kids aged 12-14 who do not see it as a “real drug” and are unaware of the risks. When inhaled, laughing gas can cause a short-lived high, making it a popular party drug.
The Trimbos Institute also report that more than 37% of Dutch party-goers use laughing gas on a regular basis – mostly young people.
Dutch Police have also welcomed the ban, after a surge in traffic accidents linked to the drug. In a nearly-three-year period until October 2021 there were almost 1,800 road accidents involving nitrous oxide, including 63 fatal collisions, according to a police survey reported by the Dutch public broadcaster NOS. Offences committed by people using the gas included dangerous driving and driving without a licence.
