From: [l--w--s] at [aera2.mitre.org] (Keith Lewis)
Newsgroups: talk.politics.drugs,alt.law-enforcement,alt.drugs.psychedelics
Subject: Maryland police lobbying to prohibit nitrous oxide
Date: 13 Oct 1994 13:37:54 GMT

A bill has been introduced in Maryland which would make it a felony to
distribute nitrous oxide.  N2O (aka laughing gas) is used legitimately as an
anasthetic by dentists and as a propellant for whipped cream.  It is also
used as a recreational drug by young people.

Supporters of the bill claim the gas is being used by children and that it
causes brain damage and death.  Strictly speaking, it does not.  Improper
use can deprive the body of oxygen, which will cause those effects. 
Dentists mix the gas with oxygen to prevent this, but there is currently no
incentive for underground vendors to do so.

While not physically addictive, the gas is highly habituating in some people.
The effects last only a few minutes, so it is not a driver impairment issue.

[end of facts, beginning of rant]

Why are the police in favor of adding to the list of prohibited substances?
Do they think they would have an easier time enforcing these laws than
existing laws?  Do they need more friction with the drug-using community?

Prohibition of nitrous oxide would lead to a violent underground
distribution network, like the one which exists for crack cocaine.  
There is no point.  It would make life harder for everyone involved.

--Keith Lewis             [k--ew--s] at [mitre.org]          PGP key available.
being the accommodating chick that i am, i'll stick them in there.  -- j.j
The above may not (yet) represent the opinions of my employer. /* No comment. */