NRW cities in the race: Sales ban for laughing gas planned to young people!

NRW cities in the race: Sales ban for laughing gas planned to young people!

In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), the health risks of the laughing gas consumption are increasingly becoming the focus of the municipalities. In view of the failure of a nationwide regulation, cities such as Cologne and Bonn check how the sale of this party drug to minors can be prevented. The advance shows in response to the increasing health concerns, which primarily include neurological damage, paralysis and psychological dependence, such as n-tv reported.

The city of Cologne, which was the first to plan a local ban on sales, is working on the details of such a ban. City spokesman Robert Baumanns confirmed that the administration is working on a template that prohibits the sale of laughing gas to people under the age of 18. Originally, one had hoped for a nationwide regulation, which, however, is not in sight due to the political circumstances in this legislative period. Bonn plans to point out the dangers of laughing gas consumption about informative posters on kiosks and to check a ban on playgrounds.

reactions from different cities

While Cologne progresses, Dortmund is still discussing the handling of laughing gas without having made a specific decision. Bochum will discuss the topic in the coming week. In Bielefeld, it is currently being examined whether a ban on sales falls into the regulatory competence of the city or the federal government. Essen, on the other hand, sees responsibility for the federal government and wants to wait for its decision.

As early as April 2024, the appeal from Wuppertal, which suggested sales outlets, received special attention to young people. Here, even a resolution was adopted to the federal government to draw attention to the problem. Münster, on the other hand, currently has no plans for a ban and refers to the Ministry of Health, which checks a legally secure path for a ban on sales at minors at the state level.

health risks and social effects

Lachgas, also known as a stabic monoxide, is not only used as an anesthetic in dentistry, but is also increasingly being abused as a party drug. The gas is known for its relaxing effect, but has considerable dangers. Inhalation from balloons or gas cartridges can lead to acute and long -term health problems, including neurological damage and unconsciousness. The spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system are particularly affected, which is why medical treatment may be necessary to neutralize the effects on vitamin B12 and metabolism, so ndr .

The problem of throwing away gas cartridges is also addressed. In Cologne, waste management companies report an increased appearance of carelessly disposed cartridges that often land in the Rhine. This environmental challenge increases the need for regulations for dealing with laughing gas.