Proposed Ban on Nitrous Oxide for Minors in Germany

The German government is moving forward with a proposal to ban the sale and possession of nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, for minors. The initiative, spearheaded by Health Minister Nina Warken, aims to address growing health concerns associated with the recreational use of this substance among young people.

Nitrous oxide has become increasingly popular as a party drug, easily accessible to youth. The new legislation will prohibit not only the purchase of nitrous oxide by minors but also its sale through online platforms and vending machines. The rise in nitrous oxide consumption among young individuals has raised alarms among health experts due to the potential risks, including loss of consciousness and long-term neurological damage.

Health Minister Warken emphasized that nitrous oxide should not be viewed as a harmless party accessory. The increasing trend of its use among youth has been attributed to its easy availability and the marketing of flavored variants, which tend to trivialize its dangers. The proposed law is set to come into effect later this year, with the aim of protecting children and adolescents from the associated health hazards.

In addition to regulations on nitrous oxide, the draft legislation also seeks to impose stricter controls on substances known as knockout drops, specifically Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-Butanediol. These chemicals can be surreptitiously added to drinks, causing victims to become dizzy and lose consciousness, making them vulnerable to theft or sexual assault. The proposed regulations will classify these substances under a handling ban for new psychoactive substances, prohibiting their manufacture, distribution, and sale.

The legislative proposal has now been forwarded to the Bundestag, with a vote anticipated following the summer recess. There will be a three-month grace period after the law is enacted to allow businesses and vending machine operators to adjust to the new regulations. Previous attempts to legislate against nitrous oxide use, led by Warken's predecessor, Karl Lauterbach, were not implemented, prompting some regions to enact their own local regulations.

Despite the impending restrictions, exceptions are being considered for certain uses of nitrous oxide. For instance, cartridges containing up to eight grams of the gas, typically used for whipping cream, may still be available for sale. This exception also applies to ready-to-use whipped cream products.