New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has enacted sweeping restrictions on the sale of nitrous oxide, commonly known as 'nangs,' to address rising misuse among young people. The new regulations, effective Thursday, impose strict limits on who can purchase the gas, when it can be sold, and the quantities retailers can supply.
Under the updated rules, businesses are prohibited from selling nitrous oxide to individuals under 18, making sales between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., offering same-day delivery, or displaying the products openly. Retailers also cannot sell canisters exceeding 10 grams of gas to consumers, with a daily purchase limit of 250 grams per customer.
These regulations apply to retailers, wholesalers, and online vendors operating within NSW. Exemptions are in place for legitimate uses such as food preparation, medical treatments, automotive work, and industrial applications. Authorities have been granted powers to issue warnings, seize non-compliant products, and impose financial penalties on businesses that breach the regulations.
The crackdown has been welcomed by Sam Bramman, a 22-year-old advocate who developed drug-induced psychosis and spent two months in a psychiatric ward following his recreational use of nangs. Bramman, who was introduced to the gas at age 19, believed it to be harmless due to its legal status and accessibility.
"At 19, nangs put me into psychosis and I ended up spending two months in a psychiatric ward. Today's laws mean fewer young people in NSW will go down that path," Bramman stated. He recounted how his use escalated from occasional party use to consuming up to 50 canisters daily, leading to severe paranoia and erratic behavior. His experience prompted him to launch the No2Nangs campaign to raise awareness and advocate for stricter controls.
NSW Health has voiced concerns over the escalating misuse of nitrous oxide, warning of serious and potentially permanent health complications. These can include severe vitamin B12 deficiency, nerve damage, neurological injuries, frostbite, lung damage, heart issues, asphyxiation, and injuries from falls. Bramman highlighted that within six months of his initial use, he had developed drug-induced psychosis, experiencing severe paranoia. He eventually required hospitalization and sedation.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park stated that the changes are intended to prevent more young people from suffering the "devastating consequences" of nitrous oxide misuse. "This isn't just about cracking down on the sale or supply of the product but we also want to educate the public, including young people and their families about the serious risks associated with nitrous oxide misuse," Park said.
Bramman continues to share his story in an effort to prevent others from similar harm and is lobbying for consistent national regulations. The ACT government has indicated plans to implement similar restrictions, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration is considering further national controls on recreational nitrous oxide products, with a decision anticipated in February.
Individuals concerned about nitrous oxide use can contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service for confidential support and referrals.