Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner has welcomed a ban on nitrous oxide.
His reaction stems from concerns over the potential, long-term health effects of the drug.
Mr Turner said: “I welcome this change in the law. As well as being concerned over littering and antisocial behaviour, I am worried about the long-term – and substantially unknown – health effects of nitrous oxide.
“I am also concerned about how using nitrous oxide may effect people’s ability to drive safely.”
Possession of ‘laughing gas’ is now illegal with repeat serious users facing up to 2 years in prison and dealers up to 14 years.
The ban, which came into force on 8 November 2023, makes nitrous oxide a Class C drug. That means it is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
This means possession of nitrous oxide, where a person intends to inhale it for a psychoactive effect, is now an offence.
Consequences could include an unlimited fine, a visible community punishment or a caution. Repeat serious offenders could face a prison sentence.
Heavy, regular abuse also poses significant health risks for users including anaemia and, in more severe cases, nerve damage or paralysis.
It has been identified as having potentially fatal consequences on the UK’s roads.