Is laughing gas legal in Amsterdam?

What exactly is banned?

• having nitrous oxide on you for recreational use (in your bag, car or accommodation);
• selling or handing it out — including balloons;
• transporting it;
• bringing it into or taking it out of the Netherlands.

What is still allowed?

Nitrous oxide has legitimate uses, so the law makes exceptions for medical use (for example in hospitals), culinary use as a food additive (such as whipped-cream chargers) and technical use (for example in engines). What counts is the intended purpose, not the label: a cylinder sold as ‘culinary’ is illegal to possess if it’s meant for inhaling.

Is Amsterdam stricter than the rest of the country?

The criminal ban is national, so it is the same everywhere. On top of that, Amsterdam’s local bylaws (the APV) prohibit using nitrous oxide, according to a city council letter of 9 February 2023. Before 2023 the city already acted against street sales and banned sales in bars and at events (DutchNews).

What happens if you’re caught?

Police can confiscate the gas. Penalties are decided case by case by the Public Prosecution Service (Openbaar Ministerie). According to the OM, one charger or one balloon counts as a personal-use quantity; a first-time offender has to give it up. Larger amounts lead to a fine or community service, and very large amounts can lead to a prison sentence. Read more on Nitrous oxide laws in the Netherlands.

Official information

• Dutch government — Ban on nitrous oxide (Dutch)
• Public Prosecution Service — Q&A on the ban (Dutch)
• Opium Act on wetten.overheid.nl (Dutch)
• City of Amsterdam