Cardiff issues “hippy-crack” warning

<h2>Cardiff Council has warned against the recreational use of laughing gas.</h2>

The substance carries serious risks, the council claimed. A statement released to alt.cardiff explained that the warning followed a complaint of individuals consuming the drug outside a licensed premises in the city.

Along with Balloons, the drug is sometimes consumed from canisters like these [Photography: Rob Brewer]

Formally known as nitrous oxide, ‘hippy-crack’ has become widely available in cities over the last year, and is sometimes sold openly on the streets. Its use can trigger feelings of euphoria, but can also lead to oxygen deprivation.

With several legitimate uses, the drug’s legal status means vendors can only be prosecuted in certain circumstances. A spokesman said, “where there is suspicion that [the sale] is to persons under the age of 18 and for reasons of causing intoxication, then this would fall foul of the Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1985.”