Laughing gas use is on the rise among children and young people in Berlin, with surveys indicating that it is one of the most commonly consumed drugs among schoolchildren. This trend is concerning, as the CDU faction believes that the gas poses significant health risks and should be regulated to protect its users.
The CDU has proposed a motion to restrict the sale and use of laughing gas in order to safeguard children and young people from harm. They plan to present their proposal to the Senate and ask for their support in initiating a Federal Council initiative to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. The faction will discuss and decide on this motion at a closed meeting scheduled for the weekend.
The increase in cases of laughing gas abuse across Europe has raised concerns about its availability and affordability, which makes it appealing to young people who are looking for ways to get high quickly and easily. The CDU faction believes that regulation should be implemented either through the Youth Protection Act or the New Psychoactive Substances Act. They are also considering alternatives based on examples set by other European countries that have implemented sales bans on laughing gas.
The Bundestag’s Petitions Committee has already taken a stance on this issue, recommending a sales ban for people under 18 in a resolution passed on June 12. The committee emphasized that regulation is necessary to prevent further deaths caused by laughing gas abuse.