France Moves to Ban Sale of Laughing Gas to Individuals

The National Assembly has approved a proposal to prohibit nitrous oxide sales to individuals, citing public health concerns and rising recreational use among youth.

The French National Assembly passed a bill in its first reading to ban the sale of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, to individuals starting January 1, 2026.
The legislation aims to address the growing recreational use of nitrous oxide, particularly among young people, which has been linked to serious health risks including neurological, psychiatric, and cardiac issues.
Existing laws already prohibit sales to minors and in certain venues like bars and tobacco shops, but the new measure extends the ban to all public and online sales.
Exceptions will be made for professional and medical uses, with specific categories and distribution channels to be defined by decree.
The proposal also includes educational measures, integrating nitrous oxide awareness into school drug prevention programs alongside cannabis.