Nitrous Oxide - Criminalising Possession As A "Controlled Drug"

On 26 March 2023, the government announced its intention to make the simple possession of nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) a criminal offence for the first time. It also announced tighter controls on retailers “to prevent the supply of nitrous oxide for misuse”.

Rudi Fortson KC is noted for his work in relation to the law on drugs and, in recent years, has advised businesses and individuals on complex UK and EU legal issues concerning the production, importation and distribution of medicinal products, psychoactive substances, hemp products, medicinal cannabis, CBD products, licensing, the medicines legislation, food products, product safety, cosmetics, and their regulatory controls.

This article explores the implications of the government’s announcement. To read the full article, please click here.