The Minns Labor Government is cracking down on the harmful use of nitrous oxide with the new restrictions for retailers and suppliers, as well as prohibiting sales to people under the age of 18.
Nitrous oxide misuse can cause significant harm. The increasing availability of large nitrous oxide cylinders has enabled heavier use, contributing to serious neurological injuries including spinal cord damage.
Acute and chronic use can also result in severe frostbite, lung injuries, cardiac abnormalities, asphyxiation, and injuries associated with falls.
The government's crackdown on nitrous oxide abuse beginning in November will restrict volumes; prohibit sales to people under 18 years of age; and restrict the availability of when and how products can be sold. Maximum penalties for breaching the requirements are $2,200 for individuals, or $11,000 for a corporation, per offence.
Restricting volumes
In retail settings, bulbs (containing between 8-10g of the gas and 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.
Age restrictions
Retailers are no longer able to supply nitrous oxide to a person under 18 under any circumstances.
Restricting availability
The crackdown will restrict the availability of when and how nitrous oxide products can be sold, including:
- Prohibiting same day delivery and supply
- Restricting sales before 5am and after 10pm
- Preventing these products from being visibly displayed to customers in retail settings
Exemptions & consultation
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.
The new regulations, part of the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2026, were developed following extensive consultation with key stakeholders including health practitioner groups, industry and government agencies.
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.
NSW Health is communicating directly with affected stakeholders to ensure practitioners, services and businesses understand the new requirements and to support implementation of the reforms.
For information, support and advice on nitrous oxide misuse contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (1800 250 015) which is available 24/7 or visit the Your Room website for a fact sheet on nitrous oxide. In an emergency, call 000 (triple zero).
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"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.
"That's why we are cracking down on the supply of these products in our community.
"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.
"No doubt, there are legitimate uses for nitrous oxide including in food; medicine; and industry - and we've struck the right balance between those purposes and health and safety, following comprehensive consultation.
Quotes attributable to Sam Bramman, advocate:
"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.
"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."
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