Nitrous Oxide
(nos, balloons, laughing gas)
Nitrous Oxide is a dissociative drug that is usually inhaled from a balloon. Nitrous Oxide has been used recreationally for over 200 years. The gas can come in small 8g metal canisters which are put in a ‘cracker’ or a whipped cream dispenser so the contents can be released into a balloon. The gas can also come in larger canisters (e.g. “SmartWhip”), containing multiple doses.
Effects | Dosage | Advice | Support
Effects
The effects of Nitrous Oxide take just a few seconds to kick in and will last from 1 – 5 minutes.
- Dizziness
- Euphoria
- Giggles
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Blurred vision
- Loss of balance
- Tight chest
- Headache
Dosage
A small canister contains 8g of nos, this is generally thought of as one dose. The larger canisters are usually 640g (equivalent to 80 small canisters).
Harm Reduction Advice
- Always dispense Nitrous Oxide into a balloon. Using it straight from a dispenser will put you at risk of lung and throat damage because the gas being released is so cold.
- Don’t keep breathing in and out of a balloon for a long time. After you’ve inhaled from a balloon a few times, there won’t be any Nitrous Oxide left, and re-breathing into the balloon could increase the risk of unconsciousness and seizures.
- Use Nitrous Oxide in a safe place, ideally sitting down, to avoid falls/accidents.
- Avoid using Nitrous Oxide too often. Chronic use can cause Vitamin B12 deficiency which in turn can have a negative effect on mood and memory, and in extreme cases it can cause nerve-damage, significantly reducing mobility.
- Be mindful that Nitrous Oxide will make the effects of other drugs stronger, particularly psychedelics. Make sure you’re in the right mindset and a safe environment. Click here for more information on drug combinations.
- If someone collapses or becomes unresponsive after taking Nitrous Oxide, seek immediate medical attention. You will not get in trouble for doing this.
- Dispose of used canisters properly – they can be recycled.
- If you’re out and about, make sure you and your mates have a safe way to get home, definitely don’t drive.
Access Support
The Drop is BDP’s one stop shop for support, advice and resources around party drugs.
