An immediate crackdown on the unlawful sale and use of nitrous oxide, often known as laughing gas, has been ordered by Nigeria’s drug law enforcement agency.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s, NDLEA’s, Gen. Mohamed Marwa said in a statement on their website that the tough decision “follows analysis of the effects on those who abuse the substance”
Nitrous oxide is commonly used as an anaesthetic in medicine and dentistry, and in whipped cream cannisters.
The gas can make the user relaxed, giggly, light-headed or dizzy.
However, there are some serious health effects associated with the continued use of the gas such as headaches and in more serious cases fainting.
The organization warned parents and guardians that failing to watch over their children’s behavior “poses threats to their mental and general wellbeing.”