State cracking down on legally sold 'party drug'

New South Wales is cracking down on the sale of “nitrous oxide”, a substance that has been until now readily available online and over the counter at tobacco stores.

Nitrous oxide, known as “nangs”, will no longer be sold to under-18s in NSW, the state government has declared, among other new restrictions.

Abuse of nitrous oxide can cause major harm, including neurological injuries and spinal cord damage.

Ongoing use can also result in frostbite, lung injuries, cardiac abnormalities, asphyxiation, and injuries from falls.

The government has now announced new laws to take effect in November that will restrict volumes, ban sales to under-18s, and limit availability.

Anti-addiction advocate Sam Bramman, who has spoken openly about his own experiences with the drug, hailed the legislation.

“I never thought nangs would take control of my life and leave me hospitalised. This drug was cheap, easy to get, and because they were legal, I thought they were safe,” he said.

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“If these laws help even one young person avoid the road that I went down, it will be worth it. Nangs are causing serious harm across Australia, and these reforms are a major step toward addressing it.”

In retail settings, bulbs (containing between 8g to 10g of the gas - the product known as “nangs” or “whippets”) will be limited to a total of 250g per day per customer.

Canisters or cylinders containing more than 10g of nitrous oxide will be banned from retail sale.

The laws will also prohibit same-day delivery of nitrous oxide orders, and will restrict sales made before 5am and after 10pm.

Nangs will also not be allowed on visible display in shops.

Exemptions will be in place for legitimate use such as food and beverage businesses, some industrial and commercial applications, and nitrous oxide that is used therapeutically.

Maximum penalties for breaching the requirements are $2200 for individuals, or $11,000 for a corporation, per offence.

Individuals and organisations involved in wholesale supply, non-wholesale supply, prescribing, dispensing, administration, labelling, packaging, storage and disposal of medicines and poisons will have to comply.

“The prevalence of nitrous oxide abuse – or nangs – is escalating in our community, and it is having a profound impact on the health of our young people,” Health Minister Ryan Park said.

“Our response is simple: restrict the retail and supply volume; restrict the age of consumers; and restrict the availability of when and how it can be sold.”

He said the government’s legislation had struck “the right balance” to allow legitimate nitrous oxide use to proceed.

Nitrous oxide is used in medicine for sedation and pain relief, where it is probably most commonly known as “happy gas” or “laughing gas”.

It’s also used as the propellant in cans of whipped cream, as well as in auto racing.

Western Australia banned the sale of nangs for recreational use in 2024, with proof of “legitimate” use required from both suppliers and buyers.

In Queensland, police can seize nitrous oxide canisters found alongside illegal tobacco and nicotine products.

In Victoria and South Australia, it’s illegal to sell nitrous oxide if the vendor knows or “should reasonably know” it will be inhaled by the buyer or somebody else.

South Australia also has a blanket ban on sales to under-18s.