Please be advised that Nitrous Oxide is a controlled substance, and anyone interested in purchasing it must be at least 18 years of age within the United Kingdom. If you are under this age, we kindly ask you to exit this site immediately, regardless of the legal regulations in your country of access.We feel it is our responsibility to inform users of this website about the potential life-threatening consequences associated with the misuse of Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as Laughing Gas. It is essential to note that Nitrous Oxide-related deaths are a serious matter, with eight recorded fatalities in the UK in 2016 alone. Most of these cases resulted from asphyxiation, which occurs due to the deprivation of oxygen.
Risks
Nitrous oxide, while widely used, carries certain risks that should not be overlooked. One of the primary concerns is its impact on judgment and coordination, which can lead to dizziness and impaired decision-making. This can result in carelessness, putting individuals at higher risk of injury, particularly in environments where the inhalation of NOS is common (such as areas with steep drops, bodies of water, or open flames). Those with low blood pressure face an increased risk and may experience discomfort like dizziness and weakness, which is often likened to a ‘whitey' induced by excessive cannabis consumption.It's important to note that, like many other substances, laughing gas has the potential to exacerbate underlying mental health issues, potentially causing destabilizing effects. In rare instances, it may also give rise to involuntary vocalizations and uncontrolled muscle movements, both of which can be distressing.
While there is currently no substantial evidence supporting the notion of developing a physical addiction to Nitrous Oxide, it is important to acknowledge the possibility of psychological addiction. Individuals may experience strong cravings or desires for the drug despite the potential harm it can cause to their well-being. Heavy users of NOS also face additional health risks, notably vitamin B12 deficiency, as excessive use can deplete the body's stores of this essential nutrient.
The most dangerous risk associated with the use of nitrous oxide is the potential for asphyxiation due to improper administration methods. The use of tubes or masks connected to the mouth or nose can pose a significant risk, especially when the user becomes unconscious. This can lead to a lack of oxygen and, ultimately, asphyxiation. It's important to note that the amount of NOS inhaled from a balloon or “double balloon” is typically lower than what is used for anesthetic purposes. However, misusing nitrous oxide still puts you at risk. If the mask or tube is not removed, it can render the user unconscious and result in oxygen deprivation and asphyxiation. It is crucial to be aware of these dangers when using nitrous oxide.
Nitrous Oxide Related Deaths
Listed below is information about deaths linked to the use of nitrous oxide which is listed on the death certificate. The information is intended for educational purposes and for you to understand the risks involved with the misuse of nitrous oxide.
08/03/2018 | Matthew Barnett, 23, Wigan – Presumed asphyxia 24 canisters found
18/02/2017 | Miguel Fernandes, 19, Surry – Presumed asphyxia
28/04/2017 | Vincent Ji-on Kwan, 24, Bristol – Presumed asphyxia. Possible suicide
25/07/2015 | Ally Calvert, 18, Abbey Wood – heart attack and died, potentially unrelated
15/04/2015 | Charles Barnhoorn, 20, Kingsteignton – Presumed asphyxia , +300 Canisters
02/03/2015 | Aaron Dunford, 22, Brighton – chronic user, B12 deficiency, presumed asphyxia
The common causes of death are:
- Using Bags or masks over the head – Causing asphyxia
- Using whitest standing – Causing to fall from height
- Using in a confined / Inclosed space – Causing asphyia
- Using while in control of a motor vehicle – Causing a fatal crash
- A Heart attack brought on by the gas
2000: 0
2001: 1
2002: 0
2003: 0
2004: 0
2005: 0
2006: 0
2007: 1
2008: 1
2009: 1
2010: 5
2011: 1
2012: 0
2013: 3
2014: 3
2015: 4
2016: 8
2017: 5
Total: 33 Deaths (Source)
The Law - United Kingdom
Age Restrictions
Under 18s are prohibited from purchasing Nitrous Oxide, even for legitimate reason as it is a controlled substance.
The Grey Area
Nitrous Oxide is still available for purchase in the context of being used food preparation. Eg; Whipping cream.
Publicised Prosecutions
Below are some publicised prosecutions related to nitrous oxide
13/11/2017 : Zubair Iftikhar – Possession with intent to supply (41,000 Canisters) | 10 month suspended prison sentence
03/09/2017 : Nicholas Chroussis – Possession with intent to supply (245 canisters) | 6 months suspended jail sentence + 50hrs Community service
15/08/2017 : Sonny Chapman – Possession with intent to supply (14,000 Canisters) | Two year prison sentence
09/07/2016 : William Cook – Possession with intent to supply (+200 Canisters) | 42 month prison sentence
The Law - Australia
The laws in Australia vary from state to territory, although the sale of nitrous oxide canisters to whip cream is legal Australia wide.
Age Restrictions
There is no age restrictions as such. However, most retailers enforce customers to be at least 18 years of age.
The Grey Area
Nitrous Oxide is still available for purchase in the context of being used food preparation. Eg; Whipping cream.
South Australia has implemented new rules regarding the sale of Nitrous oxide. Under the new Controlled Substances (Poisons) (Nitrous Oxide) Variation Regulations 2019 it is an offence to:
- sell or supply to people under the age of 18
- sell between the hours of 10pm and 5am
- make nitrous oxide visible or accessible to the public in retail stores
- fail to display a notice on the premises that details the offence of selling to under 18s.
Retailers that fail to abide by these rule could receive a fine of up to AU$5,000.(Source)
The Law - United States
The laws in the United States of America vary from state to state.
Restrictions
Distribution and selling of nitrous oxide to minors in the U.S. is considered a felony. Misusing this substance is also a felony, although it is generally classified as a misdemeanor in most states.
Actual legislation
381b : Any individual found in possession of nitrous oxide or any substance containing nitrous oxide, with the intention of inhaling, ingesting, or breathing it in order to induce intoxication, elation, euphoria, dizziness, stupefaction, or dulling of the senses, or to alter, distort, or disrupt one's audio, visual, or mental processes, shall be charged with a misdemeanor. This provision, however, does not apply to those individuals who are under the influence of nitrous oxide or any substance containing nitrous oxide as part of their medical, surgical, or dental treatment administered by a duly licensed professional. (Source)
The Law - Canada
The laws in Canada can vary from provence to provence. Do your own research before purchasing.
What restrictions are there?
There are currently no restrictions around the purchase of cream charger canisters as of December 2019. However, growing concern over the missus and ease of access of the product is increasing.
From our research most shops and online retailers will enforce a 18+ restriction for the sale of nitrous oxide.
To learn more about the risks of Nitrous Oxide misuse visit the UK government website talk to frank.
www.talktofrank.com/drug/nitrous-oxide
We do not condone or encourage the use of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) for recreational purposes!
Don’t be stupid. People have died from Nitrous Oxide!