Overview
- Lawmakers amended the New Psychoactive Substances Act to restrict nitrous oxide, barring sale, acquisition and possession for under‑18s and prohibiting mail‑order and vending‑machine retail.
- Adult consumer sales are limited to cartridges of up to 8.4 grams, with a reported cap of ten cartridges per purchase.
- High‑dose preparations of the solvents GBL and BDO are outlawed, while industrial, scientific and medical uses remain permitted under conditions.
- The bill passed without opposing votes, as AfD and the Left abstained; police unions and medical bodies welcomed tighter rules but urged funded prevention and precise exemptions.
- The Bundesrat is slated to review the legislation on 19 December, with a transition period pointing to entry into force around April 2026.