Tighter controls on nitrous oxide – also known as laughing gas, nos and nangs – are coming into force tomorrow, aimed at preventing harm caused by recreational inhalation.
The Government announced the crackdown on the gas in April, which is often inhaled for a brief but potentially harmful high.
New rules to limit availability
Under the controls that take effect tomorrow, importers will have to get approval from the Director-General of Health, Audrey Sonerson, to bring the gas into New Zealand.
Medsafe will assess these permit applications on behalf of Sonerson.
The Ministry of Health said this system will support legitimate medical, catering and industrial uses, while helping to prevent recreational use.
The Ministry of Health said Medsafe had already begun engaging with importers and assessing early applications ahead of the rule changes, and noted importers with imminent shipments will be given priority.
Nitrous oxide canisters over 10 grams that are sold as cream chargers will also be automatically classified as psychoactive substances under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013.
The Ministry of Health said canisters used for legitimate medical and industrial purposes are excluded, but the the new regulations will give police strengthened ability to act against those supplying them for recreational misuse.
What's the penalty?
Anyone who sells or supplies nitrous oxide to someone for the primary purpose of inducing a psychoactive affect is liable on conviction to a term of up to two years’ imprisonment or a $500,000 fine.
Those possessing nitrous oxide for this purpose are liable to a $500 infringement fine.
Ministry of Health chief medical officer Dr Joe Bourne said nitrous oxide carries real and preventable risks, which include dizziness, impaired judgement and blackouts – which can be especially dangerous when someone is driving.
There are calls for urgent reform, amid an increase in the amount of nitrous oxide being imported. (Source: 1News)
“With heavy or repeated use, we are seeing cases of serious neurological harm, including nerve damage that can affect movement and coordination.
“These changes are about reducing access to higher-risk products and supporting safer behaviour.”
In March, 1News reported in 1000 tonnes of nitrous oxide was imported to New Zealand in 2025.
The next month, police announced five retailers were facing prosecution over the alleged illegal sale over nitrous oxide, following a police operation across the North Island.
Incidents of dangerous – and fatal – misuse
Previously, police had also noted their increasing level of concern with a growing number of incidents involving drivers inhaling nitrous oxide.
In October last year, a coroner’s report found a head-on crash in the Waikato region in 2024 involved a driver who had been “significantly impaired” by use of the drug.
Today, police said the changes coming into force would support enforcement and improve road safety.
“We’ve seen incidents where nitrous oxide use has contributed to dangerous driving and, in some cases, serious and fatal crashes.
“Stronger controls on supply make it harder to access for misuse and give us clearer tools to act where it is being sold or used unlawfully.”
Students for Sensible Drug Policy Ōtepoti-Dunedin steps in after flats were leafletted with offers of the dangerous party gas. (Source: Breakfast)
Customs border operations group manager Craig Chitty said Customs would also play a critical role in enforcing the new controls at the border.
He added it would also work closely alongside the Ministry of Health and police as part of a coordinated, whole-of-system response.
“The new permit system provides a clear and robust mechanism to verify lawful imports of nitrous oxide, strengthening our ability to identify and intercept consignments that may be diverted for recreational misuse.
“These strengthened border controls complement tighter domestic settings, making it harder for supply to reach the community while ensuring legitimate medical, industrial and commercial trade can continue.”
What's the harm?
The Ministry of Health warned those who misuse nitrous oxide can suffer serious health impacts.
An Auckland woman lost movement in her legs after inhaling the gas, Abbey Wakefield reports. (Source: 1News)
“Alongside immediate effects such as dizziness and blackouts, frequent use can also lead to long-term neurological damage, including weakness, numbness and difficulty walking.”
Those with concerns over their own or someone else’s drug use are asked to contact the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797.
“The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7.”
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