Bill: Nitrous oxide ban for young people on the way

Berlin. The sale of nitrous oxide, a risky party drug, is to be restricted nationwide, primarily to protect young people. Purchase and possession by children and adolescents are to be prohibited, according to a draft bill for a "Law Amending the New Psychoactive Substances Act" published on Friday. Online sales and purchases from self-service vending machines are to be generally prohibited. The availability of date rape drugs, some of which are used as "date rape drugs," is also to be curbed.

Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) had already made it clear that nitrous oxide is "not harmless fun," but rather poses significant health risks, especially for children and adolescents. "Intensive, acute consumption threatens unconsciousness," states the draft, which was obtained by the German Press Agency. Consumption directly from a cartridge poses a risk of frostbite and lung tissue injury due to the cooling to minus 55 degrees Celsius (minus 121 degrees Fahrenheit).

Sales ban long planned

Nitrous oxide (N2O), also known as laughing gas, has been gaining popularity as a party drug for several years. Consumers inhale the euphoric substance, which is used medically as a mild anesthetic for anxiety and pain, through balloons. Warken's predecessor, Karl Lauterbach (SPD), also proposed a sales ban, but it was never implemented. Consequently, some cities and states have since introduced their own regulations.

The legislation also targets the chemicals gamma-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol. These are known as "knockout drops" and can be added to drinks. After a few minutes, victims become dizzy and may lose consciousness. Perpetrators use this time to commit sexual offenses or rob their victims. According to Warken's draft legislation, the substances, in certain quantities, will in future be subject to a "prohibition on the handling" of new psychoactive substances.

Exceptions for whipped cream

Because the chemicals are widely used for other purposes, exceptions to the sales ban are planned. Nitrous oxide cartridges with a capacity of up to eight grams, which are used, for example, to froth whipped cream, will be allowed to remain on the market. This also applies to ready-to-use spray cream.

The draft will now undergo further internal government consultation and must then be approved by the Cabinet before being submitted for parliamentary consideration. According to the plans, the new regulations will come into force three months after their announcement. (dpa)