A prefectural decree of December 23 prohibits until March 24 the use of this laughing gas in hundreds of streets and squares in the capital for minors. Its transport is prohibited to everyone during the holiday period.
The battle against nitrous oxide continues. In a decree dated December 23, the Paris police headquarters announced that it would prohibit minors from consuming this misused gas in several hundred sites, sectors, neighborhoods and roads, all listed. “From December 24, 2024 to March 24, 2025 inclusive, the consumption of nitrous oxide in all forms is prohibited for minors on public roads,” announces the first article. Moreover, “the possession by miners of aluminum cartridges, canisters, and bottles containing nitrous oxide or any other pressurized container containing this gas” is also prohibited.
The decree also announces that every Friday from 10 p.m. until Monday 5 a.m., as well as “from Tuesday December 31, 2024 at 10:00 p.m. to Thursday January 2, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.”the possession of all these containers is prohibited on avenue des Champs-Élysées for everyone. Only people who can attest to commercial or professional use will be able to transport them with proof.
Not classified on the list of narcotics
According to the French Observatory on Drugs and Addictive Trends, nitrous oxide is one of the substances most consumed by young people in France behind cannabis and poppers. The Observatory recalls that this colorless gas is initially used “in the medical field for its anesthetic and analgesic properties”. He is also employed “as a food aerosol pressurizing gas, such as in whipped cream siphon cartridges or dry air aerosols”.
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Due to its industrial use, nitrous oxide is not classified on the list of narcotic products. According to the sheet dedicated to gas on the Observatory website, it is inhaled in most cases from “small gas cartridges intended for making whipped cream”which are used “to fill party balloons”. It is possible to obtain these cartridges in physical stores and online.
Its mechanism of action is not “not yet completely cleared up”recalls the Observatory. This gas, which generally does not cause any effects other than sensory illusions and altered consciousness for a few minutes, can however cause complications. Nausea, balance disorders and headaches, cold burns (frostbite) to the lips, larynx and tongue and sudden loss of consciousness which can lead to respiratory arrest have been reported. .
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