Laughing gas sales continue quietly in Birmingham, even after the UK banned recreational use in 2023. Trading standards officers report that sellers now hide their canisters in nearby alleys or back rooms, and they supply minors and regular customers without much trouble.
People once regarded nitrous oxide as an enjoyable party drug, but it now faces legal issues. Authorities prohibit it for recreational use but still permit it in food and medicinal settings, which complicates enforcement. Celebrity mentions and social media buzz continue to promote its use, keeping the gas dangerously popular among teens.
Laughing Gas Sales Hide in Plain Sight
Officer Mohammed Tariq found a dozen laughing gas canisters stashed in a side alley during a recent shop raid in Birmingham, completely out of view from shoppers. The shop still carried tools linked to nitrous use inside, proving that sellers are adapting. Tariq said, “Nitrous is still being supplied, we’re not seizing as many, but I just think they’ve gone underground.”
Authorities have seized nearly 290 canisters from local stores since they classified the drug as a Class C substance in late 2023. Young people, especially during the pandemic, widely used nitrous oxide as one of the most common party drugs before the law change. Even after the ban, strong demand has remained.
Young Users Warn of Harmful Effects
A 25-year-old former user from Birmingham spoke to the BBC about quitting the gas after health issues. “It makes you feel like a zombie,” he said. Though illegal for recreation, many shops still sell it to regular customers without question.
Health experts warn that the gas causes headaches, fainting, and even nerve damage due to vitamin B12 loss. Although the law still allows its use in food and medication, people continue to abuse it in harmful ways.
The Office for National Statistics reports that 3.3% of 16–24-year-olds and 0.9% of UK adults used it in 2024, and these figures show no increase from the previous year.
