What is nitrous oxide ?
Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that people inhale, usually via a balloon. It’s also called balloons, nos, whippits, laughing gas, hippie crack chargers, noz.
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It’s most commonly found in pressurised metal canisters.
You may have seen these in our parks and green spaces or lying around in streets. It’s important to know and educate others on the dangers.
More information can be found on the FRANK website
The law
This is a psychoactive drug and is covered by the 2016 Psychoactive Substances Act, which means it’s illegal to give away or sell for its psychoactive effect.
Supply and production can mean up to seven years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
Like drink-driving, driving when high is dangerous and illegal. If you’re caught driving under the influence, you may receive a heavy fine, driving ban, or prison sentence.
Its use is a potential public health issue.
The empty canisters are also becoming a litter problem, often being found on roadsides, in parks, on open spaces and on private land.
Reporting nitrous oxide canisters as litter
We want to know when you come across these used canisters, to help us understand the extent of the problem across Dudley.
Please use the link below tell to tell us where canisters (and other litter) is.
From the cleanliness problem page, select ‘litter – nitrous oxide (silver bullet) canisters’, then complete and submit the form. You can do this anonymously if you wish.
Tell us about a shop you think may be selling nitrous oxide Illegally
Please use the link below to give us details, and to tell us the name and location of the shop.
When you reach the cleanliness problem page, select ‘report a shop selling nitrous oxide canisters’, then complete and submit the form. You can do this anonymously if you wish.
Report canisters as litter or those illegally selling here https://customer.dudley.gov.uk/gis-report/st-cleanse-grit/