NSW government restricts nitrous oxide sales to combat youth use and health risks
Consensus Summary
The NSW government is implementing new restrictions on the sale of nitrous oxide, commonly known as nangs, to address rising recreational use and health risks among young people. Key measures include banning the sale of cylinders containing more than ten grams, restricting sales to a 250g limit between 10pm and 5am, and prohibiting sales to individuals under 18. Both ABC and SMH report that fines for violations will be up to $11,000 for businesses and $2,200 for individuals, with enforcement starting in November. The crackdown follows concerns about increased misuse, with calls to the NSW poisons centre rising by 120 per cent between 2020 and 2025. Sam Bramman, a former user, has campaigned for stricter regulations, highlighting the severe health impacts, including addiction, psychosis, and physical disabilities. While both sources agree on the core restrictions, ABC provides additional details about a consultation process beginning in March 2024 and a 7.30 investigation, while SMH emphasizes the long-term health risks and the exemption of legitimate industrial users.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Sale of nitrous oxide cylinders containing more than ten grams will be illegal in NSW from November 5
- Sales of nitrous oxide will be restricted to a 250g limit per individual between 10pm and 5am
- Bulbs containing 8-10 grams of nitrous oxide cannot be sold to anyone under 18
- Same-day delivery and supply of nitrous oxide will be restricted
- Fines for businesses selling in breach of regulations will be up to $11,000 per offence
- Fines for individuals selling in breach of regulations will be up to $2,200 per offence
- The new laws will come into effect in November
- Calls to the NSW poisons centre regarding nitrous oxide misuse increased by 120 per cent between 2020 and 2025, from 52 calls to 114
- The NSW government announced new restrictions on nitrous oxide sales on Thursday
- Nitrous oxide use is linked to more than a dozen deaths around Australia since 2020
- The NSW Health Minister Ryan Park stated the crackdown aims to protect vulnerable younger people
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- A consultation process on new nitrous oxide regulations started in March 2024
- A 7.30 investigation examined the easy access to nitrous oxide, its booming imports, and its deadly outcomes
- Sam Bramman told 7.30 on Thursday that other states need to step up and create national harmony in regulations
- Businesses will be required to keep records of sales to ensure compliance with new supply limits
- Nitrous oxide is often sold as whipped cream 'chargers'
- Chronic use of nitrous oxide can cause nerve damage and long-lasting physical disabilities, including paralysis
- Sam Bramman spent two months in a psychiatric ward and a year and a half on antipsychotic medications after nitrous oxide addiction
- 1.4 per cent of the population aged over 14 had used inhalants including nitrous oxide, with 4 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds using it
- Short-term risks of nitrous oxide use include loss of consciousness, blood pressure issues, frostbite, and asphyxiation
- Long-term risks include memory loss, brain or spinal cord damage, incontinence, and psychosis
- Tobacco compliance officers will enforce the ban, supported by police where necessary
- Legitimate users in industries like food production or medicine will be exempt from the rules
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC states the sale of nitrous oxide cylinders containing more than ten grams will be illegal from November 5, while SMH mentions the ban on large cylinders but does not specify the exact date for enforcement
- ABC mentions a 7.30 investigation and a consultation process starting in March 2024, while SMH does not reference these details
- ABC states that nitrous oxide is often sold as whipped cream 'chargers', while SMH does not mention this specific detail
- SMH states that 10 minutes of continuous nitrous oxide use can cause coma or death, while ABC does not provide this specific timeframe
Source Articles
State cracks down on sale of potentially deadly 'nangs'
After a 7.30 investigation exposed the increasing dangers of nitrous oxide use, NSW has announced reforms will come into place shortly.
‘Took control of my life’: Teens banned from buying popular Sydney party drug
The inhalant drug has previously been widely available for recreational use both online and at walk-in tobacconists.