Criminalising ‘laughing gas’ a “futile gesture”, says IEA expert
3 September 2021
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Education
Emily Carver writes for Conservative Home
1 September 2021
Press Release
3 September 2021
Uncategorized
20 January 2026
Responding to reports the government is seeking advice on making nitrous oxide possession, also known as laughing gas, a crime, Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, said:
“This a futile gesture from a government addicted to banning things. Drug-related mortality is at a record high, but none of the 4,393 deaths recorded last year were caused by nitrous oxide.
“If it was dangerous, we wouldn’t give it to pregnant women. It is the mildest ‘drug’ imaginable and should be re-legalised for recreational use.”
ENDS
Contact: Annabel Denham, Director of Communications, 07540 770 774
IEA spokespeople are available for interview and further comment.
“This a futile gesture from a government addicted to banning things. Drug-related mortality is at a record high, but none of the 4,393 deaths recorded last year were caused by nitrous oxide.
“If it was dangerous, we wouldn’t give it to pregnant women. It is the mildest ‘drug’ imaginable and should be re-legalised for recreational use.”
ENDS
Contact: Annabel Denham, Director of Communications, 07540 770 774
IEA spokespeople are available for interview and further comment.
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