No laughing matter...nitrous oxide users told they face criminal record

Users of nitrious oxide are being told they could end up with criminal record as police continue to warn of its dangers.
The nitrous oxide canisters found in Pontefract.The nitrous oxide canisters found in Pontefract.
The nitrous oxide canisters found in Pontefract.

Known as laughing gas, it commonly used in the medical and catering industry, but is increasingly being used as a so-called ‘legal high’, because it can give the user feelings of euphoria.

Police are alarmed at the the number of used canisters are often found dumped in recreational areas, most recently in Pontefract, and are warning of the dangers.

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Inhaling the substance can be deadly and can lead to dizziness, headaches and even suffocation from a lack of oxygen.

Too much can lead to unconsciousness and can lead to a form of anaemia, or even death.

Police have also said that the gas is controlled under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.

A spokesman said: "This makes it an offence to supply the drug onto another.

"What some may not know is that passing their friend a nitrous oxide canister is still classed as supply and they could face a criminal record in doing so."