![Protoxyde d'azote (Illustration) [Riccardo Milani Hans Lucas Hans Lucas via AFP]](/cdn-cgi/image/onerror=redirect,width=640,height=640,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/uploads.mongoosehq.com/url/media/115764641/c686a84b4f82879821e3ce46e24bbfc0bdb3826ef08306b166e1525f0a98c90f)
Overview
- A Sirasco note, cited by Europe 1, reports the widespread normalization of nitrous oxide among young people through colorful, festive packaging, social-media promotion and flavored canisters.
- Use has shifted toward 14–15-year-olds with rising uptake among girls, according to the Stop ballons association quoted by Europe 1.
- Distribution mirrors drug markets with tiers from wholesalers to delivery networks and heavy promotions, with prices reported from €1 to €60 and deals such as “buy two, get one free.”
- A 20-year-old woman recently died in a road crash where two canisters and balloons were found, intensifying concerns about driving risks linked to recreational inhalation.
- Lawmakers are considering creating a criminal offense for diverted recreational use with penalties on par with narcotics offenses, while clinicians warn of neurological harm and a national congress on nitrous oxide convenes in Lille on March 26–27.