Britain’s Home Office will be imposing a ban next month on having or dealing in laughing gas – except for legitimate medical or catering purposes.
People who repeatedly misuse the drug will face up to two years in prison, while dealers of nitrous oxide will face up to 14 years behind bars, the BBC reports.
The 8 November ban will make nitrous oxide a controlled Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
The drug, which comes in small metal canisters, is a colourless gas commonly used as a painkiller in medicine and dentistry, and for producing whipped cream in cooking.
It is one of the most commonly used recreational drugs among young people.
Critics have previously warned against a ban, saying it could stop users seeking medical help, but the government says it is clamping down on antisocial behaviour and drug taking in public.
When used as a recreational drug it is inhaled, and can make people feel relaxed, giggly, light-headed or dizzy.
According to the BBC, the substance can cause headaches and make some users anxious or paranoid, while over-use can make people faint or lose consciousness.
Intensive, frequent use can also lead to vitamin B12 deficiency which can cause neurological damage, according to a government report quoting several scientific studies.
Crime and Policing Minister Chris Philp is quoted by the BBC as saying: ‘We are delivering on the promise we made to take a zero-tolerance approach towards antisocial behaviour and flagrant drug taking in our public spaces.
‘Abuse of nitrous oxide is also dangerous to people’s health and today we are sending a clear signal to young people that there are consequences for misusing drugs. Both users and dealers will face the full force of the law for their actions.’