The sale, possession and use of nitrous oxide gas cartridges in public spaces are now prohibited in Lyon, in order to “protect its youth”. Accessible over the counter but prohibited to minors in France, “laughing gas” too often benefits from “the image of a non-drug”, explains addictologist Muriel Grégoire.
The City of Lyon announced on Friday that it was banning “the sale, possession and use of nitrous oxide gas cartridges in public spaces”, denouncing a “national scourge” when it is used for recreational purposes such as ” laughing gas”, mainly by adolescents and young adults.
It is classified among “poisonous substances”. In France, the government has banned its sale to minors and restricted the quantities on sale. In the United Kingdom or the Netherlands, the sale and use has been restricted or prohibited.
“In Lyon, this represents a little more tonnes of nitrous oxide canisters which would litter the ground in 2023. This ban is a signal of the dangerousness of this product and to protect our youth”, explains Mohamed Chihi to RMC, deputy mayor responsible for security.
“The image of a non-drug”
Because it is mainly adolescents and young adults who consume it. Laughing gas has “the image of a non-drug”, explains addictologist Muriel Grégoire. “Its effects are short with euphoria or even uncontrollable laughter.
However, there can be risks with regular use, neurological risks such as difficulty walking or moving your arms. It also has heart risks,” she points out. Nitrous oxide is used in cooking for Chantilly siphons and in medicine as an analgesic.
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Teleconsultation
For Muriel Grégoire, the ban must above all be accompanied by prevention and care for young dependents. The Lyon town hall announced the creation in one of its hospitals of a teleconsultation system dedicated to consumers of nitrous oxide, a first in France.
Infringements will be punishable by a fine of 150 euros maximum. Other cities have already issued orders to the same effect. In Montpellier, for example, the sale and consumption of nitrous oxide is punishable by a fine of 68 to 450 euros.
