The underestimated laughing gas epidemic

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is one of the oldest anesthetic substances. Although its medical use has declined over the past few decades, it remains popular for non-medical purposes. While it is often used in the hospitality sector in cream dispensers, it has also become increasingly popular as a recreational drug, used to induce temporary euphoria. Though both are sometimes inhaled through balloons, nitrous oxide should not be confused with helium, which, unlike laughing gas, has no psychoactive effects.

While many countries, including some of Luxembourg's neighbours, have raised alarms and taken action against the rising misuse of laughing gas, Luxembourg's response has been slow and largely unchanged. Earlier this year, in response to a parliamentary question, Luxembourg's Health Minister, Martine Deprez, stated that the government would continue monitoring the situation. She noted that current data does not indicate a significant rise in nitrous oxide use. Deprez argued that regulations implemented in Belgium and France have not necessarily impacted sales, pointing out that its widespread availability makes it difficult to control through national legislation alone.