New look at criminalising laughing gas

THe Government is seeking advice on whether to make possession of laughing gas a crime.

The Home office has asked the independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) to review the harm caused by nitrous oxide. It is acting following what it calls a “concerning” rise in use among young people, with the substance the second most-used drug among UK 16 to 24-year-olds.

Drugs experts said the move was “completely pointless” and a “waste of time”.

More than half a million people aged 16-24 (8.7%) in england and

Wales used the drug in 2019-20, according to the Crime Survey.

According to the office for National Statistics, there have been 36 deaths in Great Britain associated with nitrous oxide between 2001 and 2016.

The sale of nitrous oxide for its psychoactive effects is illegal but it is not a crime to possess it. The Government is concerned this is a “significant factor” in its increasing use.

The ACMD’s assessment could also recommend more education for young people or tougher punishment for those who supply the drug to children.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Misusing drugs can have a devastating impact on lives and communities – we are determined to do all we can to address this issue and protect the futures of our children and young people.

“Should the expert ACMD recommend further restrictions on this drug, we stand ready to take tough action.”

The ACMD last reviewed nitrous oxide six years ago, concluding it did not seem to warrant control under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.