MP calls for clampdown on ‘hippy crack’ craze

Use of nitrous oxide making lives ‘a nightmare’ for residents

Rosie Duffield has called for a government crackdown on the sale of nitrous oxide as fears grow over associated health risks, litter problems and anti-social behaviour.

The Canterbury and Whitstable MP raised the issue after she secured a parliamentary debate about the misuse of the recreational drug - known as “hippy crack” and “laughing gas” which is responsible for five deaths a year.

It comes after Whitstable residents said boy racers and yobs binging on the gas are making living there a “nightmare”. Beach-goers have also complained about metal canisters from which the drug is inhaled - being left strewn across the seafront by louts.

Ms Duffield said at an adjournment debate on Tuesday that the “fashionable association” between nitrous oxide and car drag racing “has to end”.

“It is clear that tighter regulations around the sale of nitrous oxide are now needed,” she said.

“Come to Canterbury or Whitstable on Friday or Saturday nights and you’ll see the drug being done everywhere. When the users have gone home, they leave behind the consequences of their choices.”

The canisters are made for medical and commercial use such as cream whipper charger bulbs for use in catering. But it is illegal to sell it as a recreational drug.

Ms Duffield backs calls from Professor Gino Martini, the chief scientist at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, to raise the age of sale to over 25 and to restrict the amount per purchase. She spoke of the serious risks to health nitrous oxide poses to users - including paralysis, spinal cord damage, deep vein thrombosis and nerve damage. Responding to Ms Duffield’s speech, Home Office minister Kevin Foster said: “Many of our constituents are concerned about the impact of the misuse of nitrous oxide - not only on the physical and mental wellbeing of users but also on communities, from its associated problem with antisocial behaviour and the canisters littering streets. “The government is conscious of these concerns and the need to respond to them.” Figures reveal 29 people died in England and Wales from nitrous oxide use between 2010 and 2017. Canterbury City Council is considering introducing a raft of stringent Public Spaces Protection Orders which would make it an offence to possess nitrous oxide canisters on land it owns in the district.

People can comment on the consultation until August 30.

Rosie Duffield MP speaking in Parliament