The Ordre des chimistes du Québec warns the public against the use of nitrous oxide, better known as “laughing gas” or “proto”, for recreational drug purposes. The organization calls on governments to stop making this product available over the counter.
The College says it is seeing an “upsurge in reported cases” of people using the substance as a drug.
Nitrous oxide, a molecule found in gaseous form, is used in kitchen appliances, such as a siphon to make whipped cream. The nitrous oxide then comes in the form of cartridges resembling small canisters.
This substance is also used as a sedative by health professionals. However, many teenagers and young adults use it as a recreational drug, by inhaling it.
“We have had cases that have been identified more and more here in Quebec,” said Michel Alsayegh, president of the Ordre des chimistes du Québec, in an interview.
For Kathryn Balind, research and development officer at the Psychosocial Research and Intervention Group (GRIP) and chemist, we must however be careful in saying that the use of this drug is increasing.
“We always see a bit of it on the pitch, especially at festivals. I think we may be seeing a little more now because people really want to party after the pandemic. So there’s really a boom in the festivals, people really want to explore,” she explains.
Nitrous oxide is a popular drug because it is easily found over the counter in stores and on the internet, in addition to being inexpensive.
Some countries have banned their sale to minors. A law passed on 1er June 2021, in France, prohibits the sale of nitrous oxide to young people under the age of 18, under penalty of a fine of 3750 euros. If a person incites a minor to consume it, he is liable to a fine of 15,000 euros.
The Interministerial Mission for the Fight against Drugs and Addictive Behaviors (MILDECA), in France, has also carried out an awareness campaign to inform the population of the dangers of the consumption of nitrous oxide for recreational drug purposes.
Euphoric effects
The person who inhales nitrous oxide will experience euphoric effects, such as laughing uncontrollably, explains Michel Alsayegh, which justifies its nickname “laughing gas”.
“There is a danger, it is also possible to asphyxiate,” warns Mr. Alsayegh. He points out that nitrous oxide can cause a lack of oxygen to the brain. A person using it may also appear drunk, stagger and be dizzy.
The repeated use of nitrous oxide can cause cardiac, neurological or psychiatric consequences, explains the president of the Order of chemists of Quebec.
According to MILDECA, nitrous oxide can also cause burns caused by the cold gas, dizziness, fainting and falls.
For Michel Alsayegh, it is time for Quebec, even Canada, to act proactively regarding this problem, before it does too much damage.
“We have a golden opportunity to take the bull by the horns, and to ensure that we don’t have the same consequences as other countries have had,” he says.
The Order of Chemists recommends that the substance be no longer available over the counter to better control it, and also reduce the accessibility of nitrous oxide on the web.
“It’s often like that (on the internet) that people will get this gas, especially for the more euphoric effects”, evokes Mr. Alsayegh.
For GRIP, which uses a harm reduction approach, making the purchase of this drug illegal is not the solution.
“I think when things are forbidden […] people will find creative ways to find substance. And sometimes it can make the substance even more dangerous, because an unregulated market for this substance will be created, with people who will try to create this substance, who may not have quality controls. “says Kathryn Balind.
Instead, she feels that harm reduction strategies should be told to people who use. For example, recommending taking this drug in a safe place, to be seated, and in the company of a non-using person who is responsible for watching over others.
This dispatch was produced with financial assistance from the Meta Exchange and The Canadian Press for News.