Hospital.Help

Berlin – Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach wants to quickly ban the use of laughing gas as a party drug, especially among young people.

“The protection of our children and young people must be the concern of all responsible parties in the Bundestag,” said the SPD politician. That’s why he assumes that laughing gas and so-called knockout drops can be legally banned in this legislature with the votes of a large majority in parliament.

Lauterbach wants to submit a draft to the cabinet tomorrow, which the government factions of the SPD and Greens can add to an upcoming law before the early elections. After the traffic light went out, it is currently unclear whether health laws will even make it through the Bundestag.

“We can no longer accept that nitrous oxide is easily available as a popular party drug and is sold in particular through vending machines or Spätis,” said the minister. “We also have to resolutely combat the misuse of industrial chemicals as rape drugs.” The EU Commission has given the plans the green light. “That’s why we should act immediately now.”

Nitrous oxide, i.e. nitrous oxide (N₂O), has been on the rise as a party drug for several years. Consumers inhale the euphoric substance through balloons. The chemicals gammabutyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol are also being targeted.

They are also known as knockout drops that are added to drinks. After a few minutes, victims become dizzy and may lose consciousness. Perpetrators use this time for sexual crimes or to rob victims.

According to the draft, nitrous oxide and the two other substances will in future be subject to a legal “ban on handling” new psychoactive substances based on certain quantities. To protect children and young people, there should also be a ban on sales, acquisition and possession with regard to minors. Distribution to end consumers via vending machines and mail order should also be generally prohibited.

“Recognized uses” for commercial, industrial or scientific purposes and use as medicinal products should remain exempt from bans. It should also be possible to use it in containers where there is no realistic risk of misuse due to their nature – for example with ready-made spray cream. © dpa/aerzteblatt.de