Sale of nitrous oxide canisters to be restricted from next year
A Bill to restrict the sale of nitrous oxide canisters, which can be used as a recreational drug, has been voted down – but new regulations will be introduced in the new year anyway.
SA News
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- Labor wants restrictions on sale of nitrous oxide cartridges
- State Government to crack down on sale of nangs
New regulations restricting the sale of nitrous oxide canisters over the counter and between certain times will come into effect in the new year.
A bill to restrict the sale of nitrous oxide canisters to over-18s and require a register of buyers was voted down in state parliament.
However, the South Australian Controlled Substance Advisory Council met shortly afterwards and backed changes to current regulations controlling the sale of nitrous oxide.
The gas is typically used for sedation and pain relief but is also sold commercially as a quick way of whipping cream.
However, the canisters, known as nangs, are sold at most convenience stores in the city and are abused by people looking for a quick high or feeling of floating.
The short-term effects are light-headedness, but long-term use has been linked to permanent brain and nerve damage.
The new regulations:
RESTRICT the sale and supply of canisters to people aged over 18.
PROHIBIT the public display of canisters in retails businesses.
BAN the sale of canisters between 10pm and 5am.
MANDATE display notices at point of sale showing the possible offences for sale and supply to minors.
The opposition bill was voted down 24 to 21 in the lower house on Wednesday morning.
Assistant opposition health spokesman Blair Boyer, who initially proposed the private members’ bill, accused the government of “rank hypocrisy” for voting down the measure while continuing their own plans to restrict the sale of nangs.
“If the Marshall Government was serious about tackling this drugs this Bill could have been passed into law by next week,” he said. “Instead young people are being left at risk.”
Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said the new regulations recognised the legitimate uses for the gas.
“However, they will make it harder for those retailers who sell the canisters, most likely knowing they’ll be abused, along with those who seek to misuse these products and expose themselves to serious risk of harm,” she said.
“These changes are also in line with recommendations from Encounter Youth, who see first-hand nitrous oxide being misused, especially in environments such as Hindley St.
“Additionally, we appreciate there are educational facilities that are likely to use these canisters in cooking classes, and we will provide exemptions to ensure they can continue supplying these products to students as required.
“Given these measures will have an impact on those businesses that stock these products, we will be providing a phase-in period before these regulations come into effect – to ensure they have enough time to modify their practices in line with these restrictions.”
