It’s no laughing matter — the Dutch government plans to ban nitrous oxide from January 1, 2023. 🎈
This means that it will soon be illegal to sell or own nitrous oxide, reports RTL Nieuws.
Safety was a major concern with nitrous oxide usage
The decision to ban laughing gas was jointly announced by State Secretary for Health, Welfare, and Sport, Maarten Van Ooijen, and Minister of Justice and Security, Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius.
In a press release from the government, Secretary Van Ooijen stressed the enormous health risks of recreational nitrous oxide use.
Meanwhile, Minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius touched on the enforcement aspect of the decision — that it would help the police take immediate action. In the future, this could likely prevent fatal road accidents.
Travel isn’t the only thing that gets delayed!
The decision to ban laughing gas actually came two years later than expected (must’ve taken an NS train to get there 🤷🏻♀️).
This was due to various delays in the parliament, which involved the need to prove adequate reasons for the ban and provide more information about prevention.
However, events during recent years have given authorities cause for concern.
READ MORE | Man drives car into canal, ends up doing laughing gas on its roof
In 2021 alone, there were nearly 595 road accidents involving nitrous oxide. Of these, 116 resulted in serious injuries, according to the NOS.
What about businesses?
Manufacturers and wholesalers of nitrous oxide will now be required to obtain exemptions.
One important stipulation is that small ampoules (such as those in whipped cream syringes) are not to be sold to third parties.
Its professional use in medical and technical professions is to remain permitted, however.
What do you think of the government banning laughing gas? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
Ummm why am I so surprised laughing gas is a drug problem? Now it will present an opportunity and and excuse for a whole new police agency to root out and destroy illegal laughing gas being sold on the street. I expect the USA will establish a new war on gas to take up the slack in the drug war caused by wide-spread legalization of cannabis. Cheer up DEA, here’s a new reason for your existence!