NSW Introducing Tough New Laws on Nitrious Oxide Cannister Sales

Earlier this year, In the Cove reported that large 3.3L nitrous oxide canisters were being dumped around Lane Cove North.  Our investigations found that unregistered businesses were delivering the canisters 24/7 to anyone, anywhere.

A NSW health website notes:

“Nitrous oxide poses both immediate and long-term risks, and there is no ‘safe’ level of use; the more people use it, the higher the risk of harm.” 

Nitrous oxide misuse can cause significant harm. The increasing availability of large nitrous oxide cylinders has enabled heavier use, contributing to serious neurological injuries including spinal cord damage.

Recreational use of nitrous oxide has been a cause for concern for well over a decade. Cannisters are colloquially known as nangs, alluding to a noise heard in the user’s head after use. In this instance, they are inhaled, providing a euphoric feeling for the user, as well as potentially causing dangerous health defects following heavy use, including paralysis and psychosis.

In March 2026, ITC asked the Minister for Health Ryan Park, for details on how the NSW government was taking action to reduce availability, following a 2024 announcement that it would do so.  We were told they were working on legislation.

The NSW Government announced on 3rd July 2026 that it will implement laws to stop nitrous oxide abuse.  Beginning in November 2026, legislation will restrict volumes, prohibit sales to people under 18, and limit when and how products can be sold.

Maximum penalties for breaching the requirements are $2,200 for individuals and $11,000 for corporations per offence.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“The prevalence of nitrous oxide abuse – or nangs – is escalating in our community, and it is having a profound impact on the health of our young people.

“That’s why we are cracking down on the supply of these products in our community.

“Our response is simple: restrict the retail and supply volume; restrict the age of consumers; and restrict the availability of when and how it can be sold.

“No doubt, there are legitimate uses for nitrous oxide, including in food, medicine, and industry – and we’ve struck the right balance between those purposes and health and safety, following comprehensive consultation.”

Illegal Nitrous Oxide Use on the Rise

Since 2020, the NSW Poisons Information Centre has reported 114 calls about exposure to nitrous oxide – almost a 120 per cent increase from the previous year – with 80 per cent of these being hospitalised.

Nitrous Oxide Abuse Happening in Lane Cove

The issue caught the attention of ITC after the Stringybark Creek Residents Association discovered 20 large 3.3L canisters of nitrous oxide and six small canisters on Clean Up Australia Day at Batten Reserve, Lane Cove North.

“We’ve been doing this for 15 years and this is the first time we’ve seen it quite to this extent,” Representative said standing near numerous canisters collected from under Epping Road Bride, “So we’re concerned that people are actually ordering them online, taking them down there, and then sharing them with their friends, and this seems to be becoming a bit of a trend.”

The group also claims to have found a mixture of full and empty canisters at Mindarie Park, a location known to families.

Steps to Restrict Supply

Restricting volumes 

In retail settings, bulbs (containing between 8-10g of the gas and known as ‘nangs’ or ‘whippets’) will be limited to a total of 250g per day per customer.

Canisters or cylinders containing more than 10g of nitrous oxide will be banned from retail sale.

Age restrictions 

Retailers are no longer able to supply nitrous oxide to a person under 18 under any circumstances.

Restricting availability 

• The crackdown will restrict the availability of when and how nitrous oxide products can be sold, including:
• Prohibiting same day delivery and supply
• Restricting sales before 5am and after 10pm
• Preventing these products from being visibly displayed to customers in retail settings

Exemptions & consultation

There are many industries who have a legitimate use of nitrious oxide. Business such as food and beverage businesses, some industrial and commercial applications, and nitrous oxide that is used therapeutically will be exempted from the new rules.

The new regulations, part of the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2026, were developed following extensive consultation with key stakeholders, including health practitioner groups, industry and government agencies.

Individuals and organisations involved in wholesale supply, non-wholesale supply, prescribing, dispensing, administration, labelling, packaging, storage and disposal of medicines and poisons will have to comply.

NSW Health is communicating directly with affected stakeholders to ensure practitioners, services and businesses understand the new requirements and to support implementation of the reforms.

Need help?

Misuse of nitrous oxide (“nangs”) can cause serious health problems, including nerve damage and impaired judgment.

If you or someone you know needs help with alcohol or drug use, contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS NSW) on 1800 250 015 (24 hours) for confidential advice and support.

If someone experiences symptoms such as numbness, difficulty walking, confusion or loss of consciousness after using nitrous oxide, seek urgent medical help or call 000 in an emergency.