WA’s crackdown on nangs has been welcomed by health experts who say the “dangerous” tiny canisters of nitrous oxide gas have been easier to get than a slice of pizza.
Nitrous oxide is a colourless and tasteless gas used in several ways, including by dentists and medical professionals to provide pain relief and by bakers to whip cream.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: New WA nang and vape laws in place.
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Nicknamed laughing gas, it is used recreationally to provide a fleeting high, but medical professionals have highlighted the harm and lasting neurological damage it can cause when abused.
Rules restricting the sale of the small canisters to registered food operations, businesses with a liquor licence, and cooking schools are now in play, the WA government revealed on Thursday.
Large canisters are now totally banned in the state, which was previously named the nang capital of Australia.
Retailers caught breaking the laws, which the state government has trumpeted as the “toughest” in the country, face fines of up to $30,000.
Nang use has exploded in recent years, with the small canisters able to be bought online and delivered to customers within 30 minutes.
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said nang misuse can lead to serious life-altering effects.
“We want to protect children and young people from the dangers of nangs, which can cause permanent brain and spinal cord damage,” she said
In Victoria, it is against the law for someone to sell nangs if they believe the buyer will drink or inhale them.
In South Australia, nitrous oxide can not be sold to minors or between the hours of 10pm and 5am, and must be out of sight.
NSW was considering similar restrictions earlier this year.
UNSW conjoint associate professor of medicine Dr Darren Roberts said complications caused by nang abuse is far too common.
“This is a big problem in Australia that can lead to serious and permanent concerns,” he told 7NEWS.com.au.
“I’ve heard that in some Australian states, it’s easier to get a delivery of nitrous oxide gas than it is to get a delivery of a pizza.”
He said nang abuse varies a lot — from socially in small amounts on the weekends to others who use it “around the clock” for the management of mental health concerns.
“They’ve been cheap and easily available, allowing people to use them in large amounts,” the clinical toxicologist and addiction medicine specialist said.
He said states have been working in different ways to reduce the misuse of nangs in the community while recognising they have a bonafide use in the food industry.
“Despite this, year on year, there is increasing cases of harm due to nanging. This is not an issue that comes and goes,” he said.
“WA has taken a strong response to limit access to nangs to registered food and beverage businesses.
“This is a positive approach and a welcome one — it will be interesting to see the impact on harms.”
Vape restrictions
New WA regulations governing the sale of vapes are also now in force.
The federal government changed the laws this year so that vapes would only be available over the counter at pharmacies.
But WA has tightened the screws further, requiring a prescription from a doctor before e-cigarettes are dispensed.
“We have listened to the concerns of the community and pharmacists, who did not want vapes to be so easily available to young people,” Sanderson said.
“We share their concerns and that is why we have introduced regulations to maintain our tough protections.
“Vapes often contain nicotine and dangerous chemicals and we will do everything we can to keep these dangerous products out of the hands of kids.”
If you are concerned about yours or a loved one’s use of alcohol or other drugs, call for free, confidential advice, information and counselling from the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline, 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 250 015.