Why does the UK government want to ban laughing gas?

The UK government recently announced plans to make the possession
of laughing gas for recreational use a criminal offence. Nitrous
oxide, also known as “nos”, is hugely popular among young people,
and doctors have raised concerns about a rise in cases of nerve
damage linked to the use of the drug. Ian Sample speaks to science
correspondent Nicola Davis about the reasons behind the ban, the
risks associated with using nitrous oxide and what experts have
made of the government’s decision. Help support our independent
journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod