Source : Perth Now news
Under 18s will be banned from buying nitrous oxide products with fines for unlawful sales exceeding $10,000 from November, as the NSW government cracks down on the harmful everyday substance.
Known commonly as “nangs” or “whippets”, nitrous oxide products, while intended for a range of everyday use, can contribute to serious neurological injuries such as spinal cord damage when used recreationally as a drug.
Acute or chronic use of nitrous oxide can even result in frostbite, lung injuries, cardiac abnormalities, and asphyxiation, as well as physical injuries.
In an effort to curb the increasing availability of the substance, the NSW government announced on Thursday it would crack down on retail of nitrous oxide from November, including restricting the amount people can buy.
In retail settings, customers will be limited to a total of 250g per day of nitrous oxide bulbs – with each weighing between 8-10g – while the sale of canisters and cylinders of more than 10g will be banned from retail sale altogether.
The reforms will also mean under 18s are banned from buying nitrous oxide products, as well as the banning same day delivery, restricting sales between 10pm-5am, and preventing nitrous oxide products from being visibly displayed to customers in retail settings.
Anyone found breaching the new measures will face fines of up to $2200, or up to $11,000 for a corporation, per offence.
Health Minister Ryan Park use of “nangs” was “escalating in our community”.
“It is having a profound impact on the health of our young people,” he said.
“That’s why we are cracking down on the supply of these products in our community.
“Our response is simple: restrict the retail and supply volume; restrict the age of consumers; and restrict the availability of when and how it can be sold.
“No doubt, there are legitimate uses for nitrous oxide including in food; medicine; and industry – and we’ve struck the right balance between those purposes and health and safety, following comprehensive consultation.”
Sam Bramman, an anti-drug advocate who was hospitalised by nangs, said the drug was cheap and easy to get.
“I thought they were safe,” he said.
“If these laws help even one young person avoid the road that I went down, it will be worth it.
“Nangs are causing serious harm across Australia, and these reforms are a major step toward addressing it.”
Exceptions to the laws will be in-place for legitimate use, such as in the case of food and beverage businesses, some industrial and commercial applications, and nitrous oxide used therapeutically.
