Those who use nitrous oxide gas canisters recreationally to get high will soon find it harder to get their hands on “nangs” after the Western Australian (WA) government imposed tough new regulations last week.
In Australia, nangs filled with “laughing gas,” come in small cylinders and are manufactured to be used in the hospitality industry to whip cream, and also traditionally by dentists (in larger cylinders) to provide pain relief and sedation to patients.
Party-goers looking to get a buzz from the gas have corrupted their intended use.
Often consumed using a balloon to capture the released gas, once inhaled it can induce a short-lived euphoric or “high” sensation.
Despite it being illegal to supply nitrous oxide for recreational purposes, the gas is readily available for purchase from food supply and vape shops and the discarded canisters often litter city streets and fields where events like festivals are held. This ease of access has contributed to their widespread use, particularly among young people.
In February 2023, a Brisbane man died after drowning in a spa pool in a Surfers Paradise hotel after inhaling an excessive amount of nangs.
In 2022, there were 22 presentations to hospitals in WA related to nitrous oxide use, of which, eight patients had degeneration of the spinal cord. The WA Poisons Information Centre received 50 calls related to poisoning in 2023.
Recognising the potential risks associated with nang use, Australian authorities have taken steps to regulate its sale in New South Wales and Victoria, and now WA has followed suit.
Availability to be Heavily Restricted
The Cook Labor government has announced what they call the, “Toughest ‘nang’ rules in Australia,” which aim to put a dent in the gas supply by amending the Medicines and Poisons Regulations 2016 to ban its sale.Starting in the second half of 2024, the supply of 10-gram nangs will be restricted to registered food and beverage businesses, selected businesses with liquor licences, and other persons approved by the Department of Health, read a statement.
The sale of larger-scale canisters not for food preparation will be prohibited, and business owners will need to prove they are registered food suppliers.
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the amendment aimed to curb the availability of nangs to high-risk groups;
“We are listening to parents and clinicians and will do everything we can to protect children and young people from the dangers of nitrous oxide gas. Recreational use and abuse of nitrous oxide poses significant health risks including permanent brain and spinal cord damage,” Ms. Sanderson said.
She added the government’s hand on the issue had been forced by public feedback.
“Parents and community members have also raised significant concerns about the increase in used canisters left littering our parks and playground.”
