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Federal government plans to ban laughing gas: protection for young people!
The Minister of Health is planning a ban on laughing gas in Lower Saxony on July 2, 2025 to prevent its abuse as a party drug.
Federal government plans to ban laughing gas: protection for young people!
In the last year, the problems surrounding the abuse of laughing gas as a party drug have worsened significantly in Lower Saxony. The Bundestag is now planning to put a stop to the whole thing. A draft bill that would ban nitrous oxide will be decided today. Loud NDR This draft meets the demands from Lower Saxony very much. Health Minister Andreas Philippi (SPD) started the initiative a year ago to bring gas station owners to a colorful range of snacks, now it's about the safety of young people.
Nitrous oxide or nitrous oxide (N2O) is a colorless gas that is primarily used in the food industry to foam cream. However, in recent years it has also become a popular “party drug”, which poses serious health risks. Loud Federal Institute for Risk Assessment The uncontrolled consumption of nitrous oxide, combined with a significant increase in cases of poisoning, especially among young people, has reached worrying proportions.
Health risks of nitrous oxide consumption
The health consequences associated with consuming laughing gas are anything but harmless. In addition to symptoms such as dizziness and hallucinations, severe nerve damage can also occur. A vitamin B12 deficiency caused by nitrous oxide consumption can lead to paralysis and numbness. The police advice warns particularly about the risks of mixed use with other drugs, as this can have potentially fatal consequences. This is a serious problem that cannot be ignored.
The increasing number of nitrous oxide poisonings is alarming: 7 cases have already been reported in 2022, and the number has risen to 20 in 2023. In 2024, 50 cases were recorded, mostly among young people. Urgent measures must be taken here to further minimize the dangers of consumption.
New regulations and measures
The planned ban could include comprehensive measures. The sale, purchase and possession of laughing gas by minors should be prohibited. Sales through vending machines should also no longer be permitted. However, this ban does not apply to industrial and scientific use as nitrous oxide is an important chemical. In Lower Saxony in particular, some cities such as Osnabrück and Helmstedt have already banned the sale of laughing gas to minors.
Parents in Gifhorn gave a decisive impetus to changing the law after they complained about the availability of laughing gas in snack machines. Similar regulations are also on the agenda in other federal states such as Schleswig-Holstein if the federal government does not act quickly.
It is important that parents and teachers educate young people about the risks of nitrous oxide use. Open conversations about drug risks and encouraging critical thinking are key. Finally, you should always keep in mind that responsible behavior is necessary on all sides. Let us work together to protect our young people and educate them about the dangers.