CDU parliamentary group wants to restrict sale of nitrous oxide

The Berlin CDU faction wants to restrict the sale and use of laughing gas. To do this, it wants to call on the Senate to launch a corresponding Federal Council initiative. The aim is to regulate the sale of laughing gas (nitrous oxide) so that children and young people in particular are protected from health-endangering abuse, as stated in a motion that the faction wants to discuss and decide on at its closed meeting planned for the weekend.

CDU parliamentary group warns against abuse

The number of cases of laughing gas abuse by children and young people is increasing. According to surveys, it is one of the most commonly consumed drugs among schoolchildren. The gas is easily available and cheap, argue the CDU MPs.

The number of people with problematic drug use is increasing across Europe and in Germany. Abuse poses the risk of significant health damage. “Every year, dozens of people die from it across Europe.”

Legal details still open

It should be examined whether regulation should be implemented via the Youth Protection Act or the New Psychoactive Substances Act. Alternatives based on the example of other European countries with sales and possession bans might be better, as supported by the Bundestag’s Petitions Committee, which in its resolution recommendation of June 12 called for a sales ban to people under 18.