The National Assembly adopts a bill aimed at prohibiting the sale to individual nitrogen oxide, the consequences of which resulting from the diverted use of this gas are serious.
- Nitrogen oxide N²O is a comburant gas, the use of which has been diverted for its euphoric effect and which can have neurological and neuromuscular repercussions.
- The deputies voted to ban the sale of hilarious gas to individuals, which should be set up from January 1, 2026.
- A decree will determine the professional categories authorized to buy them by derogation, and the distribution circuits.
In the medical field, for anesthesia, or culinary, for whipped cream siphons, nitrogen oxide n²o, also called “hilarious gas” or “proto”, is a colorless, smell and slightly sweet combat . In recent years, its use has been strongly diverted in France. Indeed, several people, including adolescents and young adults, have inhaled in a festive context or not, because this product sold in the form of cartridges has an euphorizing effect. Concretely, this so -called “hilarious” gas causes sensory distortions, an uncontrollable laugh and a state of “floating”, according to The interdepartmental mission to combat drugs and addictive behaviors (MILDECA). “Young people are particularly attracted by this substance for several reasons. It is very easily accessible, inexpensive, undetectable after consumption and above all, it is perceived as legal and not very dangerous”, explained Idir Boumertit, rapporteur of the text co -signed by deputies from several other groups, notably socialist or ecologist.
Nitrogen protoxide: its consumption can be responsible for serious neurological damage
Consumption of nitrogen oxide has severe health consequences. These are immediate and occur in the event of regular use or in high doses, as this product generates a deficit in vitamin B12. In detail, it can cause suffocation due to lack of oxygen, loss of knowledge, a burn by the cold of expelled gas, disorientation, dizziness, falls, accidents in the event of driving. “In the event of repeated consumption, at close intervals and/or in high doses, people, are also exposed to severe, sometimes irreversible complications: dependence, neurological and neuromuscular attacks manifested by pain, losses of sensitivity, Force in terms of members, walking disorders, incontinence, psychiatric disorders, heart attacks and fertility disorders “, signals the Mildeca. If gas is associated with other psychoactive substances, in particular alcohol, poppers, cannabis or psychostimulants, these risks are increased.
Extend the prohibition on the sale of hilarious gas to individuals from January 1, 2026
Faced with these dangers, a law prohibiting selling or offering nitrogen oxide to minors, on the Internet, in public places or businesses, was promulgated on June 1, 2021. This January 29, 2025, a bill aimed at prohibiting the sale of hilarious gas individuals, still available in supermarkets and on the Internet, was adopted at first reading in the National Assembly with 90 votes, two against and six abstentions. More specifically, article 1 of this bill suggests implementing this measure from January 1, 2026. A decree will determine the professional categories authorized to buy them by derogation, and distribution circuits. Another article in the text will focus on prevention, by integrating nitrogen oxide into annual information sessions on cannabis provided in colleges and high schools.
