What’s ‘Laughing Gas’ and why did NDLEA order clampdown on its illegal sale and use? A Neusroom Explainer
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, announced an “immediate clampdown on illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas following its abuse by people who use it for recreational purposes.”
A statement by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, said the directive came from the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd).
This directive is coming a day after a photo of Nigerian rapper and YBNL Boss, Olamide Adedeji holding a balloon with a naked lady, sparked controversies on the internet on Monday, July 10, 2023. Many Twitter users were quick to identify a cannister in the photo which they claim is a tool use for taking a recreational drug – ‘laughing gas’, which is fast gaining popularity among young people.
Many Nigerians condemned the rapper as they accused him of using his influence as a celebrity to promote drug use among his fans who are mostly young people.
“We can’t make any headstart on the war against drugs if we allow celebrities who are seen by some as role models show substance use on their social media handles and in their music videos,” a Twitter user tweeted in reaction to the photo.
Another user @_paulodunayo wrote: “This is not it. Nigeria is fast losing the war against substance abuse, and here we have one of the OGs of the entertainment scene depicting it.”
This is not the first time Olamide would be coming under criticism for promoting the use of drug. In 2018, his single ‘Science Student‘ was declared ‘Unfit for broadcast’ on TV and radio stations in Nigeria for promoting substance abuse.
But what is ‘Laughing Gas’ and why is it dangerous? Here’s what we know.
Nitrous oxide also known as laughing gas is a colourless gas that is commonly used for sedation and pain relief but is also used by people to feel intoxicated or high.
According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) of Australia, Nitrous oxide is commonly used by dentists and medical professionals to sedate patients undergoing minor medical procedures. It is also a food additive when used as a propellant for whipped cream and is used in the automotive industry to enhance engine performance.
The gas is often transferred from its containers into balloons, from where it is inhaled for euphoric effects. When inhaled, it gives the user a short, sharp high.
Nitrous oxide gets the name ‘laughing gas’ because it makes users feel happy, giggly, light-headed, mild euphoria and hallucination.
According to WebMD, some of the effects of using laughing gas as a recreational drug include memory loss, depression, Lowering of blood pressure, fainting, heart attack, fatal loss of oxygen, B12 deficiency and anemia, nerve damage due to the tingling sensation and weak immune system, among others.
Although there are no data on the fatality rate of the usage of laughing gas as a recreational drug in Nigeria, in the United Kingdom where the government has banned its sale, the Office for National Statistics said: “Nitrous oxide was the third most mentioned substance on the death certificate after butane and propane, with 56 deaths registered between 2001 and 2020, and 45 of those having been registered since 2010.”
The NDLEA said pending when other measures are taken in consultation with other stakeholders especially the Federal Ministry of Health, to curb the menace, it will not hesitate to wield the big stick against anyone, no matter their social status, involved in illegal sale or use of nitrous oxide in the overall interest of public health.
The agency urged parents, guardians and other stakeholders to be vigilant, alert and warn their young ones against attempting experimenting or abusing the substance, which poses threats to their mental and overall wellbeing.
