US EditionNitrous Oxide Abuse up More than 500% in Michigan
- From 2019 to 2024, Michigan saw a significant increase in emergency cases associated with the misuse of nitrous oxide for recreational purposes.
- This increase followed widespread availability of nitrous oxide and growing recreational misuse, despite its medical and commercial uses.
- Calls to poison control centers grew by 533%, EMS responses by 553%, and emergency room visits by 757% over this period.
- In 2024, Governor Whitmer approved legislation that prohibits selling products intended specifically for inhaling nitrous oxide for recreational use, and the laws impose stricter penalties for sales made to minors.
- These trends highlight a serious public health issue, emphasizing the need for awareness of nitrous oxide’s risks and harm reduction efforts.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Laughing gas has become a recreational drug and is often not difficult to get. Experts have been warning about dangers for some time now, especially for younger people.
Nitrous oxide abuse up more than 500% in Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — New data from the Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center says recreational use of nitrous oxide has risen drastically over the last several years. The MiPDC says calls reporting adverse health effects increased 533% from 2019 to 2024. Emergency response calls have risen 553% and visits to the emergency room are up 757%. Nitrous oxide recreational use is linked to brain damage yet still sold all over the US …
On Wednesday, the Riksdag passed a law banning the use of nitrous oxide for intoxicating purposes. The new law means that after July 1, nitrous oxide may not be sold if there is specific reason to assume that it will be used as an intoxicant.
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