Laughing gas could be banned from sale in antisocial behaviour crackdown

Laughing gas could be banned from general sale with possession potentially criminalised unless someone has a legitimate reason to have it, according to reports.

Ministers are thought to be considering the move as part of a crackdown on antisocial behaviour, the Times has reported. After cannabis, laughing gas is the most commonly used drug among 16- to 24-year-olds in England.

There are concerns about health problems caused by its usage, with cases where it has been linked to nerve damage, paralysis or death.

Only those with good cause to possess it would have an exemption, such as chefs who use it in products including whipped cream, or for freezing or chilling food. The gas, nitrous oxide, is also used as a painkiller during childbirth or dental treatment.

The law currently bans the knowing or reckless supply of nitrous oxide for inhalation. However, the British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA) wants a ban on all consumer sales.