This “hilarious” gas is easily accessible and its misuse is raising growing concern in France.
A tragic car accident that occurred in Alès (Gard) on December 3, 2025 cost the lives of three teenagers aged 14, 15 and 19 years old. The investigation revealed that the driver of the vehicle, a young man only 14 years old, was under the influence of nitrous oxide – known as “laughing gas” – at the time of the tragedy. This news item highlights this growing scourge, now seen as a major source of concern in terms of road safety in France, mainly involving young drivers and even minors. According to Public Health France, 14% of 18-24 year olds have consumed nitrous oxide at least once in their life. Several hundred serious cases have been reported over the past two years.
What is it and what is it for?
Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a colorless gas, often nicknamed “laughing gas” or “proto”. It is used in medicine for its anesthetic and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, particularly in certain dental treatments and in hospitals. As well as in cartridges for whipped cream siphons. But for several years, its initial use has been diverted: it is inhaled (often via a balloon filled from a cartridge) to obtain a very brief sensation of euphoria, fits of laughter or hallucinations. This phenomenon is identified in the party environment or among middle school, high school and university students with repeated, even daily, consumption.
Why is it so dangerous?
The risks are immediate: it can cause dizziness, disorientation, lack of coordination, impaired vision, loss of consciousness due to lack of oxygen (asphyxia), and therefore falls or serious accidents, especially while driving. Even more serious, regular consumption or large quantities of nitrous oxide destroys vitamin B12, essential to the nervous system. This can lead to serious neurological disorders, spinal cord damage, gait disturbances and, in extreme cases, paralysis and cardiorespiratory arrest.
Is it legal and what does the law say in France?
Nitrous oxide is not an illegal drug (a narcotic) in France, as it is used legally to make whipped cream or to anesthetize. This is why it is so easy to buy, deplores the Interministerial Mission to Combat Drugs and Addictive Behaviors (MILDECA). However, because of the dangers, a law was passed in 2021 to control the situation: it is now prohibited to sell it to under 18s and prohibited to sell it if it is known that the buyer is going to use it to get drunk. Despite this law, associations, such as the League Against Road Violence, are still demanding that gas be classified as a real drug, which would make it possible to limit its use and more severely punish drivers who cause accidents under its influence.
What is its price?
Nitrous oxide is inexpensive to purchase, especially in the form of cartridges intended for cooking. For example, a set of 10 to 12 small cartridges (those used for whipped cream siphons) costs between 10 and 18 euros in stores or online. The fact that the price is so low makes nitrous oxide accessible to a very wide audience, including minors, which amplifies the public health problem.
