The UK's Foreign Office has issued a stern warning to people travelling to Cyprus.
A new law has been imposed on the Mediterranean island banning the use of laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that’s most commonly found in pressurised metal canisters.
Usually, the drug is taken by transferring the gas from the canister into a balloon and then inhaling. The gas slows down your brain and your body’s responses.
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However, the effects of the drug vary depending on how much has been inhaled. Taking nitrous oxide can cause fits of giggles and laughter, hence the nickname 'laughing gas'.
In other cases, it can also cause sound distortions and hallucinations and give you a severe headache and short-lived but intense feelings of paranoia.
Inhaling nitrous oxide directly from the canister is very dangerous because the gas is under such high pressure. It can cause a spasm of the throat muscles and stop a person from breathing.
In the UK, it is illegal to supply nitrous oxide for human consumption, but it is not illegal to possess nitrous oxide. However, in Cyprus, laughing gas is now considered an 'illegal drug'.
If you are found in possession of laughing gas you could face a prison sentence or a large fine. The Foreign Office said: "Cyprus has a strictly enforced zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drugs, which now includes laughing gas. If you are caught with any type of narcotic you will receive either a prison sentence or a hefty fine.
"The rules against possession of illegal drugs are stricter than in the UK...
"The current judicial processing delays mean that court cases can take up to two years to be scheduled and adjournments happen regularly in Cyprus."
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