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Nitrous Oxide: UK to Ban Laughing Gas by the end of 2023

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8 months ago

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The UK government is set to make nitrous oxide – also known commonly as laughing gas – illegal by the end of this year. Whilst the supply of the drug for recreational purposes is currently banned, possession is still allowed. But this is about to change. This decision comes after the Conservative government has promised to come down hard on drug use, with no exception.

We’re going to take a look at why the government has decided to do this, what this decision actually means, and what nitrous oxide is. It may be called laughing gas, but the UK authorities evidently do not believe it to be a laughing matter. Let’s delve in. 

What is Nitrous Oxide? 

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as N2O or simply ‘laughing gas,’ is a substance that is used both in medical practices and recreationally. It has long been associated with dentistry, as it is used often as a mild sedative during dental practice. Have you ever been at the dentist and seen or experienced one of those small masks that fits over the nose? Well that’s nitrous oxide. This substance does not send the patient to sleep, but instead keeps them awake and with less sense for pain. However, this colorless and sweet-smelling gas has a rich history, diverse applications, and significant implications for both the environment and human health. This is because it is now a very popular party drug. 

History

Nitrous oxide was first discovered by English chemist and natural philosopher Sir Joseph Priestley in 1772. However, its anaesthetic properties were not recognised until decades later when American dentist Horace Wells witnessed the pain-relieving effects of the gas at a travelling carnival. This discovery paved the way for nitrous oxide’s use in dentistry as an anaesthetic. However, In the early 19th century, nitrous oxide gained popularity as an entertainment substance at public gatherings and parties, earning it the nickname ‘laughing gas’ due to the euphoric and laughter-inducing effects it can produce when inhaled in moderate amounts. In the UK, nos is now the second most commonly used drug after cannabis for 16-24 year olds. This is part of the reason why the next stage in nitrous oxide’s history will be its ban in England by the end of 2023. 

Taking Nitrous Oxide

When people consume nos recreationally it is quite an obvious act. Usually a small metal canister containing the gas will be released – using a cracker – and the substance will be transferred into a balloon. The user will then place their mouth over the balloon, and will then slowly breathe in and out until the gas is finished. As they begin breathing the gas in and out, the brain and body responses slow down. The individual will begin to feel very different and it’s this specific feeling that makes nos so popular. Steve-O, famous Jackass star, used to be addicted to the substance, calling it ‘hippie crack’. The NY Times writes:

“At times he would use hundreds of canisters per day, he said. “In my active nitrous addiction, I would make every effort to inhale only nitrous, like, to the exclusion of even air,” he said. “To lose consciousness wasn’t failure — that was the goal.”   

Whilst it’s called ‘laughing gas’, this isn’t the only feeling it gives. Nos can take users to other realms. I still swear to people that when I took nos in Thailand I figured out the point of existence. Sadly, as it wore off, I forgot it. But my experience with the substance always returns to that same realization, but then constantly losing it after a few seconds. The whole experience of nitrous oxide only lasts about a minute, but that minute can be truly incredible. 

Cracking Down 

The reason why nitrous oxide is so easy to get ahold of is because it is used as a whipping agent in a whipped cream dispenser. This essentially fluffs up the cream and makes it more appealing. These are sold easily on Amazon or in any cooking shop. Therefore, many dealers and nos users purchase the substance without any issue whatsoever. It’s potentially the easiest recreational drug to buy. However, the substance is now being harshly criticised as more and more young people begin to use it. Alcohol and Drug foundation write:

“Regular use or prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide may result in: memory loss. vitamin B12 depletion (long-term depletion causes brain and nerve damage) ringing or buzzing in the ears.”

There are even some stories of strokes, or deaths due to the substance. This usually only occurs if the drug is taken in excess, Another reason why many governments are now cracking down on nitrous oxide is because of the environmental impact. At the most recent Notting Hill carnival, 13 tonnes of canisters were collected. This was the equivalent of 5 skips full. Whilst steel canisters are a recyclable material, they are often littered on the ground and there can be huge amounts of these after festivals or parties. 

The UK Ban

The UK government has decided to ban nitrous oxide by the end of this year. The recreational use of nos canisters have already been outlawed, but this new legislation will ban possession and give some seriously hefty fines. The drug will now be classified as a Class C drug within the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act. Class C also includes the likes of steroids, benzos and khat. For anyone who is found producing or selling nitrous oxide, they can now face up to 14 years in prison. If you’re found in possession, this also can now lead to a jail time of around 2 years. Suella Braverman, the UK home secretary, recently said:

“The British people are fed up with yobs abusing drugs in public spaces and leaving behind a disgraceful mess for others to clean up… Earlier this year the prime minister and I promised a zero-tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour and that is what we are delivering…if you are caught using ‘laughing gas’ as a drug, you could be hit with a hefty fine or face jail time,” 

There will also be an unlimited fine for those involved in the possession, sale or supply of the drug. The UK is seriously deciding to crack down. According to the Office for National Statistics, between 2001 and 2020 there were 56 nos-related deaths in the UK. Statistically, wasps, hornets and bees kill around 5 people per year, which is far more than nitrous oxide. Oh, and also, alcohol kills around 28,000 people per year. 

The Problem

This decision, like many of the UK’s stances on drugs, is predicted to bring problems. Many advisors do not see how banning nos will do anything to actually stop the use of the substance, or the risks it brings. Earlier this year, the Advisory Council of the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) rejected any calls to ban the sale and possession of nitrous oxide for recreational use. The Guardian reports: 

“The panel wrote that current evidence suggested the health and social harms of nitrous oxide were not commensurate with such a move, while sanctions that would apply under the act would be disproportionate for the level of harm associated with the drug… The panel also said a ban could cause problems for those who needed the gas for legitimate purposes” 

As you can see, the council analysed the statistics and realised that the repercussions of banning the substance would be worse than the drug itself. This legislation will inevitably lead to an increase in criminal records, an illegal market and make using it simply more dangerous than it already is. Yet again, the UK government is proving that they have zero desire to understand or empathise with drug use. This ideology is led by same prime minister, Rishi Sunak, who famously stated: 

“Drugs are horrific. There is nothing recreational about them. I have never taken them and will be incredibly tough on anyone who does.”

Nonetheless, as of 2024, nitrous oxide will be completely illegal. It is inevitable that it will remain just as popular a substance. Many other nations will still sell canisters and crackers, even if the UK will begin to stop. Plus, the medical world will still require it for certain practices. Ultimately, a black market will begin, where nos will probably just be a little bit more dangerous to consume. 

Final Thoughts

The UK’s decision to completely ban nitrous oxide by the end of the year will happen, despite professional advice on the contrary. The Conservative government is continuing a hard-line approach to drug use, even though a lot of the rest of Europe and the world are beginning to have a more nuanced stance. The excessive use of any recreational substances can inevitably lead to harm, but time and effort should be spent educating and safeguarding people, not just blindly banning. The use of nos will not stop, it will happen in the shadows, with the rest of the recreational drugs. 

Welcome cannabis aficionados! Thanks for making your way to Cannadelics.com, an independent news site going deep into the worlds of cannabis, psychedelics, and well beyond. We’re big on updates, so come by regularly. And get yourself signed up to the Cannadelics Weekly Newsletter, for the best in related product offerings, as well.



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“A big deal”: What the feds’ move to reclassify marijuana means for Colorado cannabis

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1 week ago

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May 1, 2024

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Cannabis advocates in Colorado cheered the Biden Administration’s reported move to reclassify marijuana and said the decision likely would reduce businesses’ tax burden significantly.

Industry leaders cautioned that such a move — if finalized — would not resolve some major challenges facing the industry, such as limited access to banking. But they pointed to the symbolic importance of preparations by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to downgrade the substance’s drug classification.

A man pours cannabis into rolling papers as he prepares to roll a joint the Mile High 420 Festival in Civic Center Park in Denver, April 20, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Mohatt/Special to The Denver Post)

Read the rest of this story on DenverPost.com.



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Astronauts to Test Cannabis Growth in Outer Space

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1 month ago

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April 1, 2024

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NASA‘s recent collaboration with the International Space Research Consortium to launch a mission testing the cultivation of cannabis in the microgravity of space has stirred a whirlwind of interest and controversy across the globe. This initiative aims to unravel the mysteries of how low-gravity environments affect plant growth, with cannabis serving as the pioneering subject. According to Dr. Alfred Terra, the esteemed lead scientist spearheading the project, the conditions in space present an “unparalleled opportunity” to push the boundaries of our understanding of botany and its applications in medicine and agriculture beyond Earth’s confines.

This ambitious endeavor aims to shed light on the potential for utilizing space-based agriculture to support long-duration space missions and future colonization efforts on other planets. The choice of cannabis as a research subject is particularly intriguing due to its complex biochemical makeup and its increasing use in medicinal therapies on Earth. Insights gained from how cannabis adapts to space’s harsh environment could lead to breakthroughs in growing food and medicinal plants in extraterrestrial colonies.

Despite the scientific excitement surrounding the mission, the announcement has been met with its share of skepticism and criticism. Some members of the scientific community and the general public question the allocation of resources toward cannabis research in space, arguing that more pressing scientific and exploratory questions merit attention aboard the International Space Station (ISS). These critics call for a focus on projects that directly contribute to our understanding of space travel’s impacts on human physiology or further our knowledge of the cosmos.

However, the space agencies involved have been quick to highlight the broader implications of this research. They argue that studying cannabis growth in microgravity could offer invaluable insights into plant biology, stress responses, and the possibility of cultivating a variety of crops in space, which are crucial for the long-term sustainability of space exploration and eventual human settlement on other planetary bodies.

Amidst the debates over the mission’s merits and the speculation spurred by its announcement date—April 1st—lies a deeper curiosity about the future of space exploration and the role of innovative agricultural research in that journey. The timing has led some to question the announcement’s authenticity, pondering whether it could be an elaborate April Fool’s Day jest aimed at sparking discussion or simply a coincidence that has amplified the public’s fascination with the project.

Whether viewed as a bold step into the future of space agriculture or a controversial choice of research focus, the mission symbolizes a growing intersection between space exploration and the quest to understand and utilize biological processes in unprecedented environments. As the launch date approaches and preparations continue, the world watches, eager to see what insights this venture might unfold about cannabis, plant science, and the potential for life beyond Earth.

*** This article is an April Fool’s Day joke ***



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A Hiring Wave on the Horizon

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2 months ago

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March 1, 2024

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The U.S. cannabis industry is on the brink of a significant hiring wave in 2024, spurred by a 12% increase in legal sales in 2023, reaching $29 billion. This growth, alongside potential federal reclassification of cannabis, is expected to create up to 100,000 new jobs, particularly in the retail sector, where 93% of companies plan to expand their workforce. The Vangst 2024 Cannabis Salary Guide highlights an industry ready to bounce back from previous economic stagnation, with a strong emphasis on experience, adaptability, and cultural fit in prospective employees.

The cannabis sector is poised for a massive expansion in employment opportunities in 2024, following a year of economic challenges and layoffs. This optimistic forecast comes from Vangst’s latest industry salary guide, which anticipates a hiring boom driven by increased legal cannabis sales and the potential for federal rescheduling. The anticipated move to reclassify cannabis to Schedule III could significantly reduce tax burdens, increase company valuations, and attract more investors, according to Viridian Capital Advisors.

Retail cannabis companies are at the forefront of this hiring surge, with nearly all surveyed indicating plans to bolster their teams in response to growing demand and market expansion. The focus is not just on filling positions but on finding candidates who can navigate the evolving legal and market landscape, prioritize cultural fit, and possess strong communication skills over traditional qualifications.

Salaries in the cannabis industry have also seen an uptick, with top-end wages growing by 4.7%, outpacing the national non-cannabis average. However, the sector still trails behind others in offering comprehensive benefits packages, a gap that affects employee satisfaction and retention. The demand for health insurance and better work-life balance is clear among job seekers in the cannabis space.

Diversity and inclusion are gaining traction within cannabis company hiring practices, with a significant portion of companies implementing strategies to create a more inclusive workforce. The industry’s employment of veterans and individuals with disabilities highlights its diverse nature, but there remains room for improvement.

Why It Matters: This hiring wave marks a pivotal moment for the cannabis industry, signaling a shift towards recovery and growth after a period of stagnation. It underscores the industry’s resilience and its potential to contribute significantly to the economy through job creation and increased sales.

Potential Implications: The anticipated hiring boom in the cannabis industry could lead to wider acceptance and normalization of cannabis use, further influencing policy changes and societal attitudes. Additionally, the focus on diversity and inclusion could set a precedent for other sectors, promoting a more inclusive workforce across industries.

Source: Green Market Report



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