Nitrous oxide, popularly known as laughing gas, is to become an illegal class C substance by the end of the year, the government has said.
Those caught producing or selling the drug could also face up to 14 years in prison under the new rules. At present, the supply of nitrous oxide for recreational use is banned, but possession is not.
The ban comes despite recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs that it would be disproportionate to the amount of harm linked to the gas.
MPs have called for the change after use of the drug multiplied among 16- to 24-year-olds. The drug is typically released into balloons from small silver canisters and then inhaled.
The substance can cause headaches and make some users anxious or paranoid, while too much nitrous oxide can make a person faint or lose consciousness. Heavy use can lead to a range of illnesses including nerve-related symptoms.
The government initially announced its plan to ban nitrous oxide earlier this year as part of a policy to tackle antisocial behaviour, but on Tuesday set out more details of the implementation of the law change.
A statement said those found in unlawful possession of the drug could face up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine, with up to 14 years for supply or production.
“We are cleaning up our streets and tackling antisocial behaviour,” a Home Office spokesperson said. “Those in unlawful possession could face up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine.”
There will be exemptions for legitimate uses of nitrous oxide, for example in medicine or catering. The gas is commonly used as a painkiller for minor procedures and for producing whipped cream in cooking.
The levelling up secretary, Michael Gove, announced in March that laughing gas would be banned under plans to clamp down on antisocial behaviour.
The home secretary, Suella Braverman, said in a statement: “The British people are fed up with yobs abusing drugs in public spaces and leaving behind a disgraceful mess for others to clean up.
“Earlier this year the prime minister and I promised a zero-tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour and that is what we are delivering.
“If you are caught using ‘laughing gas’ as a drug, you could be hit with a hefty fine or face jail time,” she added.
Last week health experts warned the government against a ban, saying it could stop users seeking medical help.
Under the government’s £160m antisocial behaviour action plan, areas of England and Wales deemed to have high amounts of low-level crime will have an increased police presence, the government has claimed.
According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 36 deaths in Great Britain associated with nitrous oxide between 2001 and 2016.
