A doctor at the University of Chester has backed the recommendation from a Government-commissioned report not to ban the legal high of nitrous oxide, a popular party drug also known as laughing gas.
The Home Office had asked Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) to advise them on whether the drug should not be banned in the UK. This came after ministers had been considering the possession and sale of the drug, which is the second most-used drug among 16-24-year-olds.
However, the ACMD argued that a ban would be disproportionate in relation to the harmful effects of the drug and create "significant burdens" for legitimate uses of the substance.
This is view is backed by Dr Gareth Nye, Programme Lead for Medical Science at University of Chester. In a statement to the ECHO he said: "Despite the harm that can be done from using inhaling nitrous oxide, in general, the risks involved do not mitigate a full ban on the substance.
"Banning the product will cause significant logistical issues with the intended use of the product also which was also factored in for example in the catering world.
"The risk and danger is not being downplayed however with significant changes on production and supply. With additional education and increasing policing powers, there is a hope that usage will decline and with it, the serious side effects will be less also."
The ACMD also argued Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, which controls non-legitimate use of the substance, remains "appropriate legislation".
What are the dangers of laughing gas?
According to Dr Nye and others, the dangers of using the substance include:
Dizziness, dissociation, disorientation, loss of balance, impaired memory and cognition
Loss of feelings in the fingers and toes
Short-lived but intense paranoia
Usage straight from a cannister can lead loss of consciousness or suffocation
Possible birth defects from pregnant users of the drug
Speaking to the ECHO last month, one anonymous student at a Liverpool University claimed the drug was "literally everywhere" at parties.
She said: "It's like it turns them into zombies and all they care about is getting another balloon. It's really sad to see because it completely ruins any party atmosphere and I've seen people in really bad states from taking it."
What are the alternatives to banning the drug?
The report, like Dr Nye, advocated for increased education around the issue and increased policed powers to confiscate canisters and paraphernalia. The ACMD also suggested a nationwide campaign on the heavy risks of the drug and monitoring of road traffic accidents and deaths related to nitrous oxide.
Responding to the report, a Home Office spokesman told the BBC: "This government is working to crack down on drug misuse in our communities, that is why we asked the ACMD to provide updated advice on nitrous oxide.
"We thank them for their report, which we will now consider."
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