Sweeping new restrictions on nitrous oxide sales are in force across NSW as authorities move to tackle rising misuse of the drug among young Australians.
The crackdown on the gas – known as 'nangs' when bought in whipped cream or soda capsules – was brought into effect on Thursday, introducing strict limits on who can buy the gas, when it can be sold and how much retailers can supply.
Under the new rules, businesses are banned from selling nitrous oxide to anyone under 18, making sales between 10pm and 5am, offering same-day delivery or displaying the products openly in stores.
The regulations prevent retailers from supplying nitrous oxide to anyone under 18, selling it between 10pm and 5am, offering same-day delivery or displaying the products where customers can easily access them.
Businesses are also prohibited from selling canisters containing more than 10g of the gas directly to consumers, with a daily purchase limit of 250g per customer.
The new requirements cover retailers, wholesalers, online vendors and other businesses involved in the supply of nitrous oxide across NSW.
Exemptions remain in place for legitimate purposes, including food preparation, medical treatment, automotive work and industrial applications.
Authorities have also been granted powers to issue warnings and seize products sold in breach of the regulations, with businesses facing potential financial penalties.
Sweeping new restrictions on nitrous oxide sales have come into force across NSW
The ban includes a ban on businesses selling nitrous oxide to anyone under 18 and overnight purchases
The laws have been welcomed by advocate Sam Bramman, who spent two months in a psychiatric ward after developing drug-induced psychosis following his use of nangs.
The 22-year-old said the new laws could prevent other young people from experiencing the same ordeal.
'At 19, nangs put me into psychosis and I ended up spending two months in a psychiatric ward. Today's laws mean fewer young people in NSW will go down that path,' he said.
NSW Health has raised concerns about the growing misuse of nitrous oxide, warning that recreational use can cause serious and potentially permanent health complications.
Mr Bramman was introduced to nangs at a friend's party in 2023, just months after finishing high school.
At the time, he believed the small canisters were harmless because they were legal, inexpensive and widely available.
'I was under the assumption that it was a fun, harmless party drug that would give you a 30-second high and then you would feel normal again,' he previously told the Daily Mail.
'I had no idea that you could become addicted.'
The changes have been welcomed by advocate Sam Bramman (pictured), who spent two months in a psychiatric ward after developing drug-induced psychosis following his use of nangs
Mr Bramman was introduced to nangs at a friend's party in 2023, just months after finishing high school and thought they were harmless to begin with
Within weeks, he was buying packs of ten from smoke shops and using them alone, with his consumption eventually reaching up to 50 nangs a day.
His family and friends began noticing changes in his behaviour, including increased agitation, mood swings and regularly staying out late.
Within six months, Mr Bramman had developed drug-induced psychosis, experiencing paranoia so severe he believed police were pursuing him.
'I hit rock bottom - it was a really quick spiral. I had paranoid thoughts - I thought the police were after me and was writing on my walls at home,' he said.
He eventually drove to the Gold Coast, where he wandered the streets screaming at passing cars and struggling to make sense.
His parents flew interstate to find him and took him to hospital, where he had to be sedated by security staff before being admitted to a psychiatric ward.
The experience prompted Mr Bramman to establish the No2Nangs campaign earlier this year, aiming to prevent other young people from suffering similar harm.
In June, he ran 300km from Sydney to Parliament House in Canberra to raise awareness and call for tougher restrictions on the drug.
His family and friends began noticing changes in his behaviour, and within six months, Mr Bramman had developed drug-induced psychosis
The experience prompted Mr Bramman to establish the No2Nangs campaign earlier this year
He later stood alongside NSW Health Minister Ryan Park as the state government announced its plans to tighten access to nitrous oxide.
Park said the changes were designed to prevent more young people experiencing the devastating consequences of nitrous oxide misuse.
'This is an important change that will hopefully see fewer young people fall victim to the harms of nitrous oxide misuse,' Park said.
'This isn't just about cracking down on the sale or supply of the product but we also want to educate the public, including young people and their families about the serious risks associated with nitrous oxide misuse.'
Health officials warn that repeated nitrous oxide misuse can cause severe vitamin B12 deficiency, nerve damage and potentially permanent neurological injuries.
Other dangers include frostbite, lung damage, heart complications, asphyxiation and injuries sustained in falls.
Mr Bramman continues to lobby politicians and visit schools and universities to share his story, hoping to stop others from experiencing the same devastating consequences.
However, he believes more needs to be done to tackle the issue nationally.
Mr Bramman later stood alongside NSW Health Minister Ryan Park as the state government unveiled plans to tighten restrictions on access to nitrous oxide
The health minister said the changes were designed to prevent more young people experiencing the devastating consequences of nitrous oxide misuse
'NSW is a strong start, but we need unified rules right across Australia on nang sales and delivery so every state has the same standard,' he said.
The ACT Government has signalled it plans to adopt similar restrictions to NSW, while the Therapeutic Goods Administration is considering further controls on nitrous oxide products used recreationally, with a decision expected in February.
People concerned about their own or someone else's nitrous oxide use can contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1800 250 015 for confidential, 24-hour information, support and referrals.
Mr Bramman said he hoped sharing his experience would encourage others struggling with addiction to seek help.
'I hope it's an inspiring story and message to other people trapped in any drug addiction that there is a way out,' he said.
'You're not alone.'
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