Cities are adopting stricter rules against laughing gas for minors

Cities are adopting stricter rules against laughing gas for minors

In several cities in Germany, laughing gas, a substance that is increasingly being used as a party drug, is the focus of stricter regulations. Cities such as Hanau, Kassel and Frankfurt have already taken measures to prevent sales to minors. These developments aim to reduce the associated health risks, which are increasingly being discussed by the public.

The city council in Limburg recently decided on new measures that will be included in the hazard prevention ordinance. This was confirmed by a spokeswoman for the city of Limburg at the request of the German Press Agency. The aim is to bring nitrous oxide use under control after its use among young people increases.

Health risks in sight

Nitrous oxide, also known as nitrous oxide, is consumed by inhalation and can cause enormous health damage. The immediate risks include, among others:

• Erfrierungen im Mund und Kehlkopf
• Bewusstlosigkeit
• Angstzustände und Halluzinationen
• Taubheitsgefühl und Herzrasen

But that's not all: long-term consumption can lead to even more serious consequences, including the destruction of brain cells and musculoskeletal disorders. Of particular concern is the increased risk of miscarriages in women. To counteract these dangers, Darmstadt has already introduced a ban on consumption in playgrounds, green spaces and the pedestrian zone in the city center. Here too, a ban on sales for minors is being considered, which underlines the intensity of the problem.

The city administration of Mörfelden-Walldorf has also come knocking and is planning to push forward the regulation of nitrous oxide consumption through appropriate regulations. Interestingly, the public order office is not aware of any cases of nitrous oxide consumption by young people, but between 400 and 500 cartridges were seized last year.

Regulatory approaches in other cities

The situation is not only tense in Darmstadt or Limburg. The problem is also recognized in Rödermark, but there is less acute need for action. A nationwide ban is being planned after an application was submitted to the state parliament by the CDU and SPD to consider a nationwide ban on sales and distribution. Some cities such as Kelsterbach, Fuldatal and Pohlheim have not yet reported any significant problems with nitrous oxide.

The challenges cannot be underestimated, as nitrous oxide is relatively easy to obtain online or in supermarkets. This accessibility makes it difficult to implement bans and prompts cities to consider alternative approaches. The federal government is also planning measures to combat the problem, while the Hessian Association of Cities is commenting on rural communities.

The developments surrounding nitrous oxide make it clear that there is a need for action in many cities. The push for stricter legal regulations is not only a response to growing health concerns, but also an attempt to better protect young people. The hope is that the regulations will have a long-term effect and get the consumption of laughing gas under control.

Information on these measures comes from, among others Hesse show, Augsburger Allgemeine and Time online.