MPs across the political spectrum united last night to back a new law banning nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas or ‘hippy crack’.
One of the most commonly used recreational drugs among young people, the Government has said it is determined to crack down on the health risks, litter and antisocial behaviour arising from its popular use.
Unlawful possession will now carry a sentence of up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine.
Those convicted of production and or supply of the high could face up to 14 years behind bars.
The use of Nitrous Oxide (NOS) will still be legal for medical reasons, not least childbirth, as well as commercial purposes.
The overwhelming support in the Commons is expected to carry over into the Lords, before the law change receives Royal Assent.
Policing Minister Chris Philp said that the Government requested the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to undertake an independent assessment of NOS.
Despite ACMD not recommending the control of NOS under the Misuse of Drugs act, it did not concerning health harms such as nerve damage and the Government chose to press ahead anyway.
Mr Philp cited San Fransico as an example of a city where relaxing drug laws has led to “disastrous” social consequences in terms of both health and social disorder.
He said: “I am determined that we do not see the same in our jurisdiction”.
Labour’s Alex Norris agreed with the Government that NOS is causing “significant problems in our constituencies”, and is leading to antisocial behaviour and litter.
He said Labour believes the Government is proposing “a relatively minor change” and they do not intend to stand in their way.
Not all parties agreed, however, with the SNP, other Scottish nationalists and Plaid Cymru voting against the move.
The SNP’s Alison Thewliss argued that the drugs advisory council failed to recommend NOS to be controlled as a dangerous drug in both 2015 and March 2023.
“We are hardly in the realms of evidence-based policy. He has decided that he must do something, and that this is something. That is why we are here.”
The party didn’t dismiss “the public nuisance” of NOS, but argued the same could be said of beer cans.
“Somehow uniquely, the Government seem concerned by the small canisters and the public nuisance of nitrous oxide.”
Two Conservative MPs, Adam Holloway and Dan Poulter, also voted against the law.
