Sweden Introduces Law Banning Recreational Use of Nitrous Oxide
Swedish parliament prepares to pass a law banning nitrous oxide sales for recreational use, effective July 2025.
Key Points
- • New law prohibits nitrous oxide for recreational use starting July 1, 2025.
- • Sales to those under 18 are banned, limiting purchases to two small canisters at a time.
- • Retailers must register with the Public Health Agency to comply with regulations.
- • Police will have the authority to confiscate nitrous oxide and impose penalties for illegal sales.
In a decisive move to combat rising health risks associated with nitrous oxide misuse, the Swedish parliament is on track to pass a law that prohibits its sale for recreational purposes. Social Minister Jakob Forssmed (KD) has emphasized the seriousness of the situation, particularly among youth, highlighting alarming increases in health incidents related to nitrous oxide, including severe neurological injuries reminiscent of multiple sclerosis symptoms.
The new legislation, expected to come into effect on July 1, 2025, includes strict guidelines that specifically ban sales to individuals under 18 years. Moreover, consumers will be limited to purchasing only two small canisters, each containing nine grams of nitrous oxide at a time. Retailers will also be required to register with the Public Health Agency to ensure compliance with the new law.
In terms of enforcement, the law grants police the authority to confiscate nitrous oxide from those found in violation of the sales regulations, with penalties for illegal sales ranging from fines to imprisonment for up to six months. According to reports from the Poison Information Centre, there has been a notable increase in calls regarding nitrous oxide misuse, pressing the need for this law. Forssmed characterized the health impacts on youth as 'very serious,' reiterating the law's goal to curb not just recreational use but also associated illicit activities surrounding the substance.