The Government plans to make laughing gas a Class C drug, which could see dealers and users facing jail time and unlimited fines.

Ministers hope to ban nitrous oxide before the end of the year, according to the Government’s anti-social behaviour action plan.

The 41-page document, published on Monday, said: “We will ban nitrous oxide, intending to do so before the end of the year.

“When Parliamentary time allows, we intend to legislate to make nitrous oxide a Class C drug with potential prison sentences and unlimited fines for unlawful supply and possession.”

The penalty for possession of a Class C drug is up to two years in prison, an unlimited fine or both, according to gov.uk. Dealers face up to 14 years behind bars, an unlimited fine or both, for supply and production.

“We recognise there are many legitimate uses of nitrous oxide, and we do not want to hinder responsible medical, industrial and consumer use.

"We will consult on the ban of nitrous oxide and how best to protect people and communities from the harmful effects, while exempting legitimate uses so as to minimise the burdens on businesses”, the Government’s action plan added.

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