Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Germany Moves to Ban Laughing Gas Sales to Minors

Several cities have already adopted their own bans ahead of the federal legislation.

Ein Mensch in einem Kiosk hält eine Tüte mit Luftballons neben drei Dosen Lachgas. (Symbolbild)
Image
Image

Overview

  • Health Minister Nina Warken’s draft bill would prohibit sale and possession of nitrous oxide for under-18s nationwide.
  • The proposal would block online and self-service vending-machine purchases to curb youth access to the party drug.
  • Small nitrous oxide cartridges of up to eight grams intended for culinary uses such as whipped cream would remain exempt.
  • The legislation targets Gamma-Butyrolacton and 1,4-Butanediol as date-rape substances with new handling restrictions.
  • Cities including Bonn and Köln have enforced local prohibitions and the federal rules are set to take effect three months after enactment.