The Effects of Nitrous Oxide on the Brain

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nitrous oxide is used to create the euphoric effect. It can also be used as a propellant, so in the food industry it's founded things like whipped cream canisters. A high basically will last from one to five minutes and you get dizziness, euphoria, giggles,. You might get a bit of change in your vision, a bit blurry, maybe some hallucinations.

The UK government recently announced plans to make the possession of laughing gas for recreational use a criminal offence. Nitrous oxide, also known as “nos”, is hugely popular among young people, and doctors have raised concerns about a rise in cases of nerve damage linked to the use of the drug. Ian Sample speaks to science correspondent Nicola Davis about the reasons behind the ban, the risks associated with using nitrous oxide and what experts have made of the government’s decision. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod