What is nitrous oxide and why is it being banned?

The government has made possession of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, a criminal offence in England and Wales.
Its use soared during the pandemic, becoming one of the most-abused substances, especially by 16 to 24-year-olds.

Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that is inhaled and is commonly used as a painkiller in medicine and dentistry.
When mixed with oxygen, it is known as "gas and air", which can help reduce pain during childbirth.
It is also used in catering, for example, in the production of whipped cream.
Many recreational users bought the gas in small metal canisters, released it into a balloon and then inhaled the contents.

The gas can make people feel relaxed, light-headed or dizzy.
It can also cause headaches and make some users anxious; too much can cause fainting.
Heavy use can lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency which can damage nerves in the spinal cord, according to a government report.
The most common early symptoms of neurological damage are a tingling sensation and numbness in the hands or feet.
Other symptoms highlighted in the report include stiff muscles, weak limbs, bladder or bowel complaints and sexual dysfunction.

In its 2023 review, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs concluded the overall harms of the gas were insufficient to merit control.
Between 2001 and 2020, there were 56 deaths in England and Wales where nitrous oxide was mentioned on the death certificate.
However, that figure includes deaths in medical settings, so not all were due to misuse.
Deaths typically occur due to secondary effects of using the gas, most commonly suffocation when the gas was used in confined spaces, for example in a car, or with a plastic bag over the head.
"Evidence suggests there is around one death per year in the UK from around one million nitrous oxide users," said Prof David Nutt, from Imperial College London.
"[In comparison] around 28,000 deaths happen per year in around 40 million users of alcohol," he added.

Nitrous oxide was previously controlled under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 - which meant production, sale or importation was illegal if the intent was to use it for its psychoactive effects.
A retailer found to have recklessly sold nitrous oxide faced six months in prison or an unlimited fine. There were 152 convictions in 2017, 107 in 2018 and 52 in 2019.
But no regulations covered individual possession.
Nitrous oxide is now a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, making possession and sale for recreational purposes a criminal offence.
That is the same classification as anabolic steroids and some tranquilisers.
Those caught with nitrous oxide for unlawful use face a caution, community service or an unlimited fine.
Repeat offenders could serve up to two years in prison.
The maximum sentence for production or supply of the drug for unlawful purposes is 14 years.