ACT government to restrict nitrous oxide sales to minors

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has agreed to implement regulatory changes to restrict the sale and supply of nitrous oxide to minors. This decision follows a coroner’s inquest into the 2023 death of an 18-year-old driver, whose impairment from inhaling the gas led to a motor vehicle accident and subsequent drowning.

Health Minister Dr. Marisa Paterson stated that the government has agreed to two of three recommendations made by Coroner Ken Archer. The proposed reforms aim to prohibit the supply of nitrous oxide for non-therapeutic use to those under 18 and develop a database to track nitrous oxide-related emergency service presentations. The government also intends to increase public awareness regarding the harms of recreational use.

While nitrous oxide has legitimate applications in dentistry, medicine, science, and industry, recreational inhalation can lead to neurotoxicity, psychosis, hypoxia, and death. The ACT government aims to align its regulatory framework with the New South Wales system to target recreational use without impacting businesses with legitimate needs.