Laughing gas “fuels” antisocial behavior, and public use by big groups may “contribute to a sense of dread” in local communities, a minister said as the government announced a ban on the chemical.
Notwithstanding the suggestion of the impartial Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, the government has opted to proceed with the prohibition (ACMD).
Somewhat broader Approach
Chris Philp, the minister of public safety, stated that the government had taken a “somewhat broader approach” due to the “social harm” that nitrous oxide may create, arguing that the ban would prevent residents from feeling uneasy in their own neighborhoods.
He started to Times Radio, “We’ve taken a somewhat broader perspective and evaluated the societal impact that we believe nitrous oxide does.” It is eaten on an unprecedented scale. I believe it is the third most popular drug among those under the age of eighteen.
Health risks are Emerging.
“There are developing indications of physical and medical danger. There have been recent reports of large-scale consumption causing paralysis, and it does contribute to the antisocial behavior problem where people, typically younger people, congregate, sometimes in large groups, and consume nitrous oxide before discarding the canisters. This can add a sense of menace or unease to other members of the public who may be using a park or other public place, which is why we have taken the stance that we have.
The prohibition on laughing gas is part of Rishi Sunak’s strategy to tighten down on antisocial behavior, which he will present today. Additional measures include a crackdown on “nuisance” beggars and a 48-hour deadline for offenders to begin removing graffiti.