Watch the shocking moment Love Island’s Davide Sanclimenti ‘dishes out hippy crack balloons’ during wild party
NITROUS oxide, also known as laughing gas, is normally bought in pressurised canisters and pumped into a balloon and then inhaled.
Used gas canisters are increasingly littering the streets as nitrous oxide use has become increasingly popular in the UK.
Here's what we know about it.
The colourless gascan make people feel euphoric and relaxed.
But it can also cause some people to have hallucinations.
The results are caused by the drug slowing down the brain.
Is it illegal in the UK?
A ban on nitrous oxide came into force on November 8, 2023 and will assist police in tackling the anti-social behaviour caused through its use.
Supplying the drug can land offenders seven years in jail.
How dangerous is nitrous oxide and what are the side effects?
Nitrous oxide can cause dizziness and affect your judgment, creating a risk of accidents.
In large quantities it can also cause the user to faint or pass out.
If nitrous oxide is inhaled through the mouth from a pressurised gas canister or in a confined space it can cause sudden death through lack of oxygen.
Heavy, regular use of the drug can cause a deficiency of vitamin B12 and a form of anaemia.
Severe vitamin B deficiency can cause serious nerve damage.
One woman was left paralysed from the chest down after inhaling 15 balloons of "hippy crack" every weekend. For more information, see drugs advice site, Frank.
Why is nitrous oxide called 'hippy crack'?
Nitrous oxide is often referred to as "hippy crack".
There is some debate about how the term came into use, some argue that hippy refers to the laid back stereotypical user while crack is a reference to the drug's quick onset.
The drug may also be called whippits, laughing gas or chargers.