Independent guide for visitors
LACHGAS
AMSTERDAM
Nitrous oxide in Amsterdam: the law, the risks, clearly explained.
Laughing gas is banned for recreational use in the Netherlands. This independent guide explains what that means for you — with official sources.
01The short answer
Is laughing gas legal in Amsterdam? No.
Since 1 January 2023, possessing, selling or transporting nitrous oxide for recreational use is illegal everywhere in the Netherlands — and Dutch law applies to visitors just as it does to residents. Read whether it’s legal, the law in detail, the health risks and what to do with a discarded cylinder.
- Status
- Banned for recreational use since 1 January 2023
- Law
- Dutch Opium Act, List II
- Applies to
- Everyone in the Netherlands, including tourists
- Emergency
- Call 112
02The ban
What’s banned, and what isn’t?
Nitrous oxide is on List II of the Opium Act. The ban targets recreational use; medical, culinary and technical uses remain legal.
Banned for recreational use
- Possession
- Selling and handing out
- Transport
- Production
- Import and export
Legal exceptions
- MedicalIn healthcare, supervised by professionals.
- CulinaryAs a food additive, e.g. whipped-cream chargers.
- TechnicalFor example in engines and industry.
Official information (Dutch)
03Since 1 January 2023 · 00:00 Amsterdam time
The nitrous oxide ban in the Netherlands
The nitrous oxide ban has applied since 1 January 2023.
This counter only shows the time elapsed since the ban took effect on 1 January 2023 (Europe/Amsterdam time zone). It does not count incidents, offences or victims.
04Amsterdam
Why this is an Amsterdam story.
In Amsterdam, the law, public health and public space come together: on the canals, in the parks and in the city’s waste incinerators. These are documented moments, each with a source.
- 2019
Street sales tackled
The city bans selling nitrous oxide in public space without a permit, including gas ordered online.
NOS - 2021
No sales in bars or at events
The city council votes to ban the sale of nitrous oxide in hospitality venues and at events.
DutchNews - 2023
National ban
Nitrous oxide goes on List II of the Opium Act. Amsterdam’s bylaws also prohibit using it.
Dutch government - AEB
Exploding cylinders
Cylinders in household waste explode in the city’s incinerators. A return scheme collected about 80,000 in five months.
AT5
05The guide
Everything a visitor needs to know.
Each page starts with a direct answer and ends with its sources.
06Guides
In depth, with sources.
- VisitorsIs laughing gas legal in Amsterdam?Laughing gas has been banned for recreational use in the Netherlands since 1 January 2023. What that means in Amsterdam and for tourists, with official sources.Lachgas Amsterdam editorial teamPublished Last checked
- LawNitrous oxide laws in the NetherlandsThe Dutch nitrous oxide ban explained in plain English: what the Opium Act prohibits, the medical, culinary and technical exceptions, penalties and driving.Lachgas Amsterdam editorial teamPublished Last checked
- HealthNitrous oxide health risksWhat are the health risks of laughing gas? Dizziness, frostbite, vitamin B12 deficiency and nerve damage explained, based on Dutch public health sources.Lachgas Amsterdam editorial teamPublished Last checked
- VisitorsVisiting Amsterdam: nitrous oxide, the law and staying safeVisiting Amsterdam? What tourists need to know about the Dutch nitrous oxide ban, health risks, discarded cylinders and where to get help.Lachgas Amsterdam editorial teamPublished Last checked
- CylindersNitrous oxide cylinders: what to do if you find oneNitrous oxide cylinders are hazardous waste and can explode in incinerators. What to do if you find one in Amsterdam, and why it matters.Lachgas Amsterdam editorial teamPublished Last checked
- TypesTypes of nitrous oxide: medical, culinary and technicalNitrous oxide (N₂O) is used in medicine, kitchens and industry. How the grades differ in purpose, quality and Dutch regulation.Lachgas Amsterdam editorial teamPublished Last checked
07Independent
No sales. No ads. Not the government.
Lachgas Amsterdam is fully independent and non-commercial. We rely on official, verifiable sources and show on every page when it was last checked.
01
Non-commercial
No shop, advertising, affiliate links or paid mentions.
02
Verifiable
Every page ends with its sources and how thoroughly they were checked.
03
Private by design
No cookies, tracking or forms.
04
Not a government site
Not affiliated with the City of Amsterdam or the Dutch state.
Key sources
- Dutch government
- Public Prosecution Service
- RIVM
- wetten.overheid.nl
- City of Amsterdam
- Trimbos Institute
- DrugsInfo
- AT5