Nitrous oxide: recreational use, regulation and harm reduction

Over recent years, nitrous oxide has emerged as a popular recreational drug in dance and festival cultures. The dangers of inhaling nitrous oxide are largely determined by the method of administration: the currently popular method of canisters and balloons is relatively safe, whereas inhalation via respirators and airtight bags carries a high risk of asphyxiation. The challenge for regulating the drug is to avoid shifting recreational use towards more dangerous methods.