Used in whipped cream siphons and hospitals, nitrous oxide, when misused, can cause severe neurological damage, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and memory, mood, motor, and cardiovascular disorders.
Faced with consumers and abandoned canisters in public spaces, the Municipal Police of Orsay had already issued a decree prohibiting the possession, transport, and consumption of this gas. The new RIPOST law, effective August 20th, significantly toughens the penalties.
Inhaling nitrous oxide outside of a medical context is now a misdemeanor punishable by one year in prison and a €3,750 fine. Possession or transport by an individual of a quantity exceeding the authorized threshold is punishable by two years in prison and a €7,750 fine. These measures will be further strengthened on February 1, 2027, with a total ban on possession, transport, sale, or offering of nitrous oxide, regardless of quantity, except for professional exemptions.
Municipal police officers can apprehend offenders in cases of flagrant offense. Used canisters, even empty, remain dangerous and can explode during incineration.
