Maintal is sounding the alarm: a ban on the sale of laughing gas to young people is in sight!

Maintal is sounding the alarm: a ban on the sale of laughing gas to young people is in sight!

In Maintal, a clear course is being taken against the misuse of laughing gas. The Social Committee voted by a majority in favor of a ban on the sale of laughing gas to minors. This comes from a report by op online out. The first city councilor Karl-Heinz Kaiser described laughing gas as an “inexpensive gateway drug” and is increasingly observing signs of abuse in the city, such as empty bottles on the banks of the Main. However, so far the city has no legal means to combat consumption in public and distribution to minors.

The health risks of consumption are alarming: lack of oxygen, frostbite and neurological damage are just some of the possible consequences. According to Bundestag experts, regular consumption can cause serious neurological disorders and even lead to chronic complaints. The consumption of laughing gas is legal in Germany as it is not subject to the Narcotics Act. In some neighboring countries, however, sales have already been banned.

Legal measures in prospect

How ZDF Today reports, a survey by Forsa on behalf of the Kaufmännische Krankenkasse (KKH) shows that 76 percent of adults are in favor of a ban on the sale of laughing gas to minors. There are already sales bans in some federal states and municipalities, but there is currently no nationwide regulation. In November 2023, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach reported on planned measures that could not be implemented due to new elections.

The new danger prevention ordinance in Maintal stipulates that the sale and distribution of laughing gas to people under 18 years of age is prohibited. Violators could be fined up to 5,000 euros. This regulation also includes the consumption of nitrous oxide in sensitive areas such as playgrounds and cemeteries. Another focus is on banning alcohol consumption in these areas and a ban on smoking in playgrounds.

Next steps and public opinions

The Social Committee has also received amendments for submission from the FDP, which aim to continue to allow the sale of laughing gas for professional, school or training purposes. Addiction help expert Rebecca Wilhelm welcomes the measures to ban nitrous oxide and would like more information. The number of visitors to the addiction counseling center in Maintal has fallen due to an arson attack in autumn 2023, while the consumption of cannabis in the city has declined since legalization.

With these new regulations, the city hopes to get a handle on the dangerous trend of nitrous oxide abuse and protect the health of its young citizens. Even if the road to a nationwide ban is still long, the developments in Maintal are a step in the right direction. Further information is also available on the website Consumer Protection Forum to find.