Overview

• The draft law bars sale, acquisition and possession of nitrous oxide cartridges over eight grams and adds gamma-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol to the New Psychoactive Substances Act
• Vending-machine and mail-order distribution are prohibited and minors face a comprehensive ban on handling the targeted substances
• Exemptions for scientific, industrial and approved medical applications of nitrous oxide and K.O.-drop chemicals are retained
• The measure now moves to votes in the Bundestag and Bundesrat before taking effect three months after publication
• Schleswig-Holstein will independently bar sales of laughing gas to minors from July 17 to curb youth misuse linked to frostbite, unconsciousness and neurological damage