The craze appeared in wider public consciousness after Premier League footballers Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish were pictured taking the drug earlier this year. Then earlier this month 18 year-old Ally Calvert died after taking laughing gas at a party in South-East London. So what is it? What impact does it have? And why isn’t it illegal?
WHAT IS IT?
Nitrous oxide is a colourless, non-flammable gas with a slightly sweet smell and taste. It’s bought in pressurised canisters before being transferred to a container (normally a balloon) from which it is inhaled.
HOW POPULAR IS IT?
One study suggested over 400,000 16-24 year-olds took laughing gas in the last year. It’s especially popular at music festivals, where, although many ‘legal highs’ are banned, people inhaling laughing gas is widely permitted.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
When inhaled, it leads to a euphoric feeling (hence the name ‘laughing gas’) but can cause dizziness and hallucinations. Nitrous oxide is a depressant and as such slows down your brain’s and body’s reactions.
DISCUSSION POINT
Ask your young people if they have taken or know people who have taken laughing gas. Is it seen as less dangerous than other drugs? Should it be made illegal?
IS IT DANGEROUS?
Many users and defenders of laughing gas would say it is low risk compared to many drugs, but the recent death of Ally Calvert would suggest otherwise. The main risks associated with it are dizziness or lack of judgement, though when taken ‘incorrectly’ without a safe amount of oxygen this can lead to unconsciousness or death (this is why it is often inhaled through a balloon rather than a pressurised canister).
IS IT LEGAL?
Yes, currently, although legislation currently going through Parliament will outlaw the production, sale and supply online or in shops, though possession will not be a criminal offence.
WHY IS IT POPULAR?
We asked a young person who takes nitrous fairly regularly to explain why they do so. Here’s what they said: ‘Nos is one of the most intense drugs you can take, but at the same time it’s almost completely harmless. The effects last for about a minute and are loads of fun. It’s popular because it’s low-risk, cheap and fun.’
