Nangs - what you need to know

Nangs, whippits, NOS, laughing gas – whatever you call it, how much do you know about nitrous oxide? 

What is nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that has been used medically for sedation and pain relief for over 150 years, including in childbirth and dental procedures. Medical nitrous oxide is usually inhaled (mixed with oxygen) through a small mask fitted over the nose. 

Nitrous oxide is also used in the food industry as a propellant, usually for making whipped cream. It is sold in small canisters or ‘bulbs’ from catering supply stores and online retailers. However, recently we’ve been seeing much larger canisters ranging from 1 to 3 litres being sold by online vendors. These canisters can contain an equivalent of 70-200 individual 8g bulbs worth of nitrous oxide. 

Recreational use of nitrous oxide

Most people who use nitrous oxide recreationally release the contents of a single bulb into a balloon and inhale it. The gas provides a very short lived high (only a minute or two) and causes a sense of euphoria, dissociation, giddiness and disorientation. 

Nitrous oxide has appeared in the news recently over fears that harm from its use is increasing, including a recent notice put out by NZ Police raising concerns about people using it while driving. 

Despite this, New Zealand’s drug harm ranking study lists nitrous oxide as the least likely to cause harm out of 23 drugs assessed. So what are the risk of nitrous oxide? 

Like all drugs, nitrous oxide can carry a risk of harm. Shorter term risks include cold burns from inhaling the gas straight from the cannister without discharging it into a balloon. Rarely, but much more seriously, this can cause lung rupture as the pressure of the gas in the cannister can cause rapid expansion of air in the lungs. 

Repetitive nitrous oxide use over a session, especially in spaces without good airflow can cause something called ‘diffusion hypoxia’. This occurs when an influx of nitrous oxide dilutes the body’s oxygen concentration and can result in suffocation or cardiac arrest. While rare, diffusion hypoxia is very dangerous, and people using nitrous oxide should take breaks to get fresh air and not use in enclosed spaces, such as cars. 

Longer term use of nitrous oxide, especially in large doses, can cause neurological issues associated with depletion of vitamin B12. This happens because nitrous oxide converts active B12 in the body to inactive B12 by oxidizing the cobalt ion. These issues have become more common as larger canisters have become more prevalent. Larger 1 to 3 litre canisters can make it hard to know how much you’ve had – meaning it’s easy to take too much. 

If a person is using nitrous oxide often or in very large amounts, taking B12 supplements won’t prevent the development of B12 deficiency, as no matter how much B12 is taken, the body simply won’t absorb it. A lack of B12 can cause a variety of issues including permanent nerve damage and psychological changes. If a person continues to use nitrous oxide after developing symptoms, this damage can be permanent. 

People considering using nitrous oxide should get their B12 levels checked through a blood test first. Those with preexisting B12 deficiencies or a risk of developing them (i.e vegetarians/vegans, coeliac’s disease, people with a family history of pernicious anaemia) should avoid using nitrous oxide altogether.

Other risks associated with nitrous oxide include mixing with other drugs or medicines that lower blood pressure (i.e blood pressure medications, Viagra, poppers), which can result in dangerously low blood pressure. Nitrous oxide can also cause falls and tumbles, especially if it’s used while standing, as it can cause temporary dizziness, disorientation and lack of coordination. Nitrous oxide should never be used while driving as it causes significant temporary impairment of coordination, reaction time and judgement. 

Is nitrous oxide addictive?

While it is possible to experience addiction to nitrous oxide, it is generally thought that it doesn’t carry a significant risk of physiological dependence. However, a person might become psychologically dependant on nitrous oxide, particularly with regular, heavy use. 

If a person finds themselves using nitrous oxide more and more often, experiences cravings or develops tolerance, or continues to use even if it causes harm to their relationships, work or home life, it is a good idea to reflect on their use. The Level has resources on reflecting on drug use, and getting help, or call the Alcohol and Drug Helpline for support options. 

Are there any regulations around the sale and use of nitrous oxide in New Zealand? 

Although nitrous oxide is legally sold for food preparation purposes, a Medsafe advisory highlighted that it is illegal to sell, supply or possess nitrous oxide for recreational use.

The advisory updated the Authority’s interpretation of how recreational use of nitrous oxide should be treated within New Zealand’s regulatory framework, stating that recreational use would fall under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013 (PSA).

Further changes announced by the Government in April 2026 mean that large canisters will automatically be classified as psychoactive substances under the PSA, and imports of nitrous oxide will require approval from the Director-General of Health.

Under the PSA, selling an unapproved psychoactive substance can lead to a penalty of up to two years imprisonment for an individual or a fine of up to $500,000 for a company.

Personal possession of an unapproved psychoactive substance under the PSA can lead to a fine of up to $500.

Staying safer if you’re using nitrous oxide

Here’s a recap of the key tips for staying safer if you’re using nitrous oxide.

• Get your B12 levels checked before using NOS
• Avoid overdoing it – a common dose is 1-3 small silver canisters
• Release the gas into another container (like a balloon) first to avoid the risk of freeze burns
• Never use a facemask with nitrous oxide and don’t use it in an enclosed space, like a car
• Reduce your risk of injury from falling over by sitting or lying down. Use in a safe space away from dangers and never use NOS while driving or operating machinery.
• Take a break between each charger or balloon, and take breaks between sessions. Using nitrous oxide every day increases your risk of experiencing problems.
• Don’t use automotive grade nitrous oxide as this can contain other substances that are harmful
• Don’t use NOS with other drugs or medications that reduce your blood pressure (including Viagra and poppers) as this can make your blood pressure drop so low it can cause death.

Editorial note: This article was updated in April 2026 to reflect significant changes in nitrous oxide use and regulation since first publication.