The Government's Argument for Banting Nitrous Oxide for Recreational Use

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The UK Drug Advisory Panel rejected calls to ban possession of nitrous oxide for recreational use. The panel said it could have significant unintended consequences. So they say instead that the effort should be focused on enforcing current law.

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