Today, a former government drugs czar warned that a ban on “hippie crack” would not deter its use and could lead teens to attempt harder substances.
David Nutt, a professor, asserted that nitrous oxide is also significantly safer than alcohol and that it causes 700 times fewer fatalities.
He said the new ban, which takes affect before 2023, is not based on science.
Other experts stated that they were ‘dismayed’ by the decision and that it gave criminal organizations control of the product.
It is a component of Rishi Sunak’s ambitious strategy to eradicate antisocial behavior.
Under proposals announced by the Prime Minister, fly-tipping and graffiti will also be punishable by fines of up to £1,000. The Prime Minister is attempting to restore the Conservatives’ reputation as the party of law and order.
The action against nitrous oxide, also known as ‘nos’ or laughing gas, could result in ‘potential prison sentences’ and ‘unlimited fines for unlawful supply and possession’ for anyone discovered with the substance.
The government’s independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) found a total ban disproportionate.
Professor Nutt, neuropsychopharmacology chair at Imperial College London, stated, “This ban is not supported by scientific evidence.
The ACMD report makes it plain that the harms do not justify making possession illegal.
This would also contradict the UNODC/WHO policy statement from last year, which called for drug users to be decriminalised.
‘According to scientific evidence, there is approximately one fatality per year in the United Kingdom among approximately 1 million nitrous oxide users, compared to approximately 28,000 deaths per year among approximately 40 million alcohol users.’
Professor Nutt was dismissed from his position as chairman of the Government’s ACMD in 2009 by Labour Home Secretary Alan Johnson after he produced a report for the Home Office claiming that Class A substance ecstasy was safer than equestrian sports.
Additionally, he suggested that cannabis, ecstasy, and LSD be regarded as less hazardous than alcohol and cigarettes.
Yesterday, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove called parks and public places “drug-taking arenas” due to nitrous oxide.
He stated that ministers had not yet determined the narcotic classification level for laughing gas.
Mr. Gove continued, “We want to ensure that the sale and use are restricted for their intended purpose.”
It will be a Class C drug, along with GHB, anabolic steroids, and khat, according to plans released this morning.
