in Lyon, the consumption of nitrous oxide is now prohibited on public roads

It has become a scourge. We find them everywhere, these blue canisters of nitrous oxide, thrown into the Lyon gutter, the day after the weekend. “Proto” cartridges whose misuse has become a phenomenon identified in the festive environment for several decades, and in particular in the Lyon metropolis for 2 years.

Initially intended for medical use (anesthetic) or for kitchen siphons, laughing gas is inhaled via a balloon and causes psychoactive effects for a few minutes. Today, the increase in this recreational use, among middle and high school students and students with repeated, even daily, long-term consumption and in large quantities, is causing increasing concern, with a surge in the number of serious cases.

Last March, Progress dedicated a file to the use of laughing gas in the city, to these young addicts to the euphoric effects of this legal drug, to the well-established organization of the dealers, to the dangers for health…

Preserve health

Vénissieux, Meyzieu, Décines-Charpieu and even Givors had signed banning orders, it was then explained, allowing the consumption of nitrous oxide to be sanctioned on public roads, but Lyon had not yet taken the plunge. This is now a fact as video surveillance operators have noted an increase in this consumption during gatherings of people, especially young people, in certain public spaces in the city, associated with abnormally agitated behavior and disturbances of order. public, noise pollution and brawls.

Grégory Doucet signed an order on November 25 prohibiting the sale, possession and use of nitrous oxide gas cartridges (or other pressure containers) in public spaces as well as in private parking lots open to the public. circulation for the purpose of using laughing gas. The ban concerns both minors and adults. It is a question, specifies the decree, of “preserving public health, safety and tranquility”. Violations of the order will be punishable by a fine.

In 2023, more than 20 tonnes of laughing gas bottles will have been collected in the Metropolis by maintenance services. In Lyon alone, that same year, more than 7 tonnes of empty canisters were collected.