Key Points

NOS is an odourless and colourless gas that can be inhaled from small canisters via a balloon.

Some common street names for NOS are:

1. Whips
2. Balloons
3. Laughing Gas
4. Hippy Crack

The Law

NOS is  a Class C drug, which means it’s illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell.

Possession can get you up to 2 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Supplying someone else, even your friends, can get you up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Driving under the influence of drugs is dangerous and illegal. You may get a heavy fine, driving ban or prison sentence, possibly all three.

Effects on the body and Risk

NOS can make you feel relaxed and giggly as well as leaving users feeling dizzy and or/nauseous. Users can often get a headache.

It’s is dangerous inhaling directly from the canister. As it can be hard to judge how many balloons to use. Too much nitrous oxide can make you faint, lose consciousness, or suffocate. When inhaling any gas you run the risk of cutting oxygen off to the brain, causing brain damage.

Heavy regular use of nitrous oxide can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12 and to a form of anaemia. Severe B12 deficiency can lead to serious nerve damage, causing tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes. This can be very painful and make walking difficult. It can even lead to paralysis, and the damage may be lasting.