City council enacts prohibition on youth sales of nitrous oxide
The city of Oberhausen has taken a significant step towards addressing the growing concern of youth drug use, particularly the misuse of nitrous oxide (laughing gas). From August 1, 2025, the city will prohibit the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide, aiming to curb its recreational use and associated health risks among young people.
The ban applies to both paid and unpaid transactions of nitrous oxide, ensuring that its availability to minors under 18 years old is restricted. This decision comes in response to increasing consumption among youth and concerns about the associated health risks.
Nitrous oxide, while commonly used in medical settings, has gained popularity among adolescents and young adults due to its recreational appeal, easy availability, social media promotion, and aggressive marketing targeting young people. The misuse of nitrous oxide can lead to a range of health dangers, including neuropsychiatric impairment, addiction potential, and acute injuries or fatalities.
Misuse can cause cognitive deficits, mood disturbances, and neurological damage such as peripheral neuropathy and myeloneuropathy due to vitamin B12 inactivation. Molecular research suggests that nitrous oxide affects brain signaling pathways linked to addictive behaviours, indicating a possible dependence. There have been increasing reports of serious injuries or fatalities related to nitrous oxide abuse.
By enacting this ban, Oberhausen aims to protect its youth from these health risks and the potential long-term consequences of nitrous oxide abuse. The city joins several others that have taken similar measures to regulate the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide, recognising the urgent need to address this public health concern.
The city of Oberhausen's decision to prohibit the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide starting from August 1, 2025, emphasizes their commitment to promoting health-and-wellness and mental-health within the community, aiming to safeguard youth from the associated health risks. The potential long-term consequences of nitrous oxide abuse, including cognitive deficits, mental health issues, and possible addiction, necessitate this proactive approach in the field of science and public health.
