Nitrous Oxide is now illegal, what does this mean for you?

As of Wednesday 8^th November Nitrous Oxide will be classified as a Class C Controlled drug.

But I thought it was already banned?

Nitrous Oxide was banned under the Psychoactive Substances 2016 which meant selling it, making it, and using it for recreational purposes was banned – but having it on your person wasn’t illegal – so if the police caught you with it they would confiscate with no further actions.

The new ban will further criminalise supply, productions and make all possession illegal.

So, what will happen to me if I get caught with a nitrous oxide canister?

As of Wednesday 8^th November you will face legal consequences for possession - you could face an unlimited fine, community service, a caution which could impact your ability to live/work where you want or even a 2-year prison sentence for repeat offenders.

So, what’s the risk of using Nitrous Oxide?

Oxygen deprivation

Starving your brain of oxygen is never a good thing! This can cause you to fall unconscious, suffocate and/or trigger heart problems. If you’re using a balloon and you fall unconscious, you will naturally let go of the balloon. But if you decide to use a mask or trap the air in other ways such as a bag over the head then the risk of accidental harm will be increased greatly.

Nerve Damage

Regular, heavy use of nitrous oxide can cause never damage which will cause you to have numbness and tingling in legs, feet, arms and fingers. In severe cases it can impact your ability to walk due to depleting Vitamin b12.

Injury

Nitrous oxide can cause you to blackout, impact your judgement and feel disconnected from your body, increasing your chances of accidental injury.

Want to know more?

Check out Drug Science for more information or make an appointment with me, Becky Risely, your Specialist Drugs and Alcohol Practitioner.