Netherlands to ban laughing gas from January- PublishedThe Dutch government is banning the use of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, amid concerns over the health risks for the growing number of young people using it.The government also hopes the ban will reduce the number of road traffic accidents involving the drug.The popular legal high has grown in popularity amongst clubbers and festival-goers in recent years, and is often used in combination with other drugs like MDMA (ecstasy) or ketamine.Justice Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz said the ban would enable the police to take immediate action if they found someone with nitrous oxide gas canisters in their vehicle.It has become widely and easily available for recreational use, as it can be legally bought and sold for the purpose of making whipped cream."