In recent years, nitrous oxide has become increasingly popular as a recreational drug among young people. In fact, Perth has been dubbed the “nang capital” of Australia due to the high number of people using the gas to get high.
Now, the Western Australian government is cracking down on the sale of nitrous oxide canisters to minors. This is in response to concerns about the health risks associated with inhaling the gas, which can include dizziness, loss of consciousness, and death.
Nitrous oxide is often sold in small canisters, which makes it easy for young people to purchase and use. However, the gas can be extremely dangerous if inhaled for long periods of time or in high concentrations.
The Western Australian government is working with police and retailers to ensure that nitrous oxide canisters are not sold to minors. They are also educating young people about the risks associated with inhaling the gas.
Amber-Jade Sanderson, the state’s Health Minister, has slammed the use of canisters for personal inhalation.
She warned that the canisters, which are often used by young people, can have a particularly harmful effect on developing brains.
“The government is looking into limits on how many canisters individuals can purchase, as well as when they can purchase them online and in person,” she said.
The new measures hoped to restrict sales of the items to those over 16 as well as put mandatory poison labels on all canisters in order to halt the number of young people using nangs.
Random spot checks will be performed on retailers and delivery services by officials to ensure compliance with the rule changes.
The National Drug and Research Centre at the University of NSW recently declared Perth the ‘nang capital’ of the country in an annual study of Australian drug trends.
70% of those surveyed in Perth had used nangs to get high in the past six months in comparison to the average of 45% nationwide.
According to the drug trend survey, the average number of canisters used during a session has increased from five to ten.
While nitrous oxide may seem like a harmless way to get high, it can be extremely dangerous. The Western Australian government is taking steps to protect young people from the risks associated with this drug.
