The Government announced a crackdown on using nitrous oxide recreationally in September. It was a response to anecdotal reports of increased use and harm , including neurological impairment and psychosis. Nitrous oxide was ranked the least harmful among 23 substances in a 2023 drug harm ranking for New Zealand.
There have been 51 claims of nang-related harm since 2019, much lower than for e-cigarettes (275 claims from 2019 to 2022). Health Minister Shane Reti sought urgent advice in August over greater access through retail outlets including dairies and vape stores, and large canisters that can hold more than 250 times a standard dose ANALYSIS It’s not so much that it’s particularly harmful, but that those harms are increasing with more access to excessively large doses. That’s the rationale behind the Government’s crackdown on recreational use of nitrous oxide , also known as laughing gas, nitro, N2O, NOS, nangs, or whippets.
There are several legal uses, including for pain relief or food preparation. Using it recreationally is illegal, but not uncommon among those who use drugs. Inhaling it can induce a short period of euphoria, or even psychedelic effects including changes in perception.
.
