Formerly associated with whipped cream siphons or certain medical procedures, nitrous oxide has established itself in a few years in the evenings of high school and university students. Metal cartridges abandoned on the sidewalks, empty canisters near stadiums, colorful balloons: “laughing gas” has become a symbol of carelessness… but also of health alerts.
Faced with this trivialization, the figures have soared: 522 poisonings linked to nitrous oxide were recorded in 2024, four times more than in 2020, and more than 450 serious road accidents in 2025, forty times more than six years ago. “Many things have been said about nitrous oxide, but everything remains to be done and in particular to regulate“, declared Marion Canalès, socialist senator from Puy-de-Dôme, on franceinfo. The text she is bringing to the Senate could reshuffle the cards for access to this gas.
Nitrous oxide: why sales management is accelerating
In fact, the product remains very easy to access. It can be bought in supermarkets or on the Internet, for just a few euros, then breathed into balloons. Among adults, it mainly affects 18-24 year olds; 14% have already consumed it outside of a medical setting, according to data taken by parliamentarians.
But doctors describe cold burns, loss of consciousness, severe deficiencies and paralysis.
“When directly inhaled, asphyxiation is a major risk, as the pure gas deprives the brain of oxygen and can lead to loss of consciousness followed by cardiorespiratory arrest. In the event of massive consumption, respiratory depression may occur, as the gas can “sleep” the respiratory center in the brain.” explains Dr. Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical.
The disorienting effect can also cause violent falls causing serious head trauma. Finally, the doctor points out that driving after inhaling protoxide is extremely dangerous and has already caused fatal accidents. as several recent road tragedies remind us, in Lille or Alès.
But beyond the immediate danger, the long-term effects are just as worrying and often unknown. “The nervous system is particularly vulnerable because nitrous oxide destroys myelin, the sheath that protects the nerves. Exposed people then develop tingling, loss of sensitivity, muscle weakness and, in the most severe situations, irreversible paralysis which can lead to the use of a wheelchair.” warns the doctor.
The gas also inactivates vitamin B12, essential for the functioning of the brain and nerves, further aggravating neurological damage (memory problems, anxiety, depression or psychoses). Finally, burns are also common, because the gas can reach –40°C when leaving the cartridge and cause lesions on the lips, nose, throat or even lungs.
A bill to reserve nitrous oxide for professionals
France had already put in place safeguards with the Létard law of 2021, which prohibits sales to minors and marketing in bars or tobacco shops. A 2023 decree limited the volumes sold. Despite this, nitrous oxide remains over the counterand many mayors come up against local decrees considered very legally fragile.
Led by Marion Canalès, the bill seeks to reserve the sale of nitrous oxide to professionals only, via distribution channels regulated by decree. It is divided into four articles:
- Prohibition of sales to individuals;
- Organization of surveillance by the Interministerial Mission to Combat Drugs and Addictive Behaviors (MILDECA) and the regional health agencies (ARS);
- Strengthening prevention in schools;
- Request for an evaluation report from the government.
Nitrous oxide: what sales management would change
If the text is adopted, an individual will no longer be able to buy canisters in stores or online, or hold them without legitimate reason. Criminal sanctions are provided for unauthorized sellers and for the transport of stocks intended for trafficking.
Several elected officials fear a black market. For Marion Canalès, “We must make this product much less commonplace, much less accessible” and the law must also serve as a support for prevention actions.