Germany to restrict sales of laughing gas

BERLIN, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Germany will impose stricter regulations on nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, to protect children and young people from the popular party drug, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said on Friday.

At present, laughing gas is easily accessible at kiosks and even vending machines in the country.

"We will come up with a regulation quickly," Lauterbach told public broadcaster ARD.

Some European countries have already taken measures amid the increase in the consumption of the intoxicant. France and the United Kingdom (UK) began regulating sales in 2021 and 2016 respectively. The Netherlands and Denmark followed suit last year.