N2O - (Nitrous Oxide/Laughing Gas)

[rexamus]

Nitrous Basics
by Erowid



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


NITROUS IMAGES 
DESCRIPTION
Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) is a simple gas that, when inhaled, causes rapid analgesia (pain relief), euphoria, mild sedation, and sometimes psychedelic dissociation. It has been used in dentistry since the mid 1800's and recreationally since the late 1700's when it earned the name 'laughing gas' because of its tendency to cause laughter in those who inhale.


Dose
Nitrous is most frequently used in the form of whipped cream chargers, small metal cartridges which are 'cracked' either into a whipped cream canister or with a special 'cracker' into a balloon for inhalation. A single cartridge is between one and three lungs full of gas. One or two lung fulls is generally enough for a short nitrous experience although many people choose to use many cartridges throughout the course of a night.
Price
nitrous chargers are sold for between .50 USD per cartridge to 1.50 USD per cartridge depending on store and size of purchase. Balloons of nitrous at parties are sold from 3-5$ per balloon. Tank-refills of medical grade nitrous oxide are diverted from non recreational medical, chemical, and industrial use.

Law
Nitrous Oxide is unscheduled in the United States and available over the counter. In many states it is illegal to sell Nitrous to a minor and in some states it is specifically illegal to inhale Nitrous Oxide for intoxication purposes. We do not know of any Nitrous Oxide regulations outside the U.S.

Chemistry
Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) is an extremely simple naturally occurring gas which is produced synthetically for sale.

History
Nitrous Oxide gas was first discovered by English scientist Joseph Priestley in 1772 and was first published about in 1776. In 1799 Humphry Davy gave Nitrous to visitors at the Pneumatic Institute and coined the term "laughing gas". Through his experiments he discovered Nitrous oxide's analgesic effects in 1800. From 1800 to 1840, Nitrous was primarily used for recreation at travelling public shows, but in 1844-1845 Nitrous was recognized as having some medical use in dentistry. In the late 1800's William James published some accounts of his work with Nitrous Oxide and called its effects of "some metaphysical significance". Nitrous has remained popular throughout the 20th Century and is sold over the counter in small cartridges ("whippets") for making whipped cream and in large tanks for industrial and medical purposes.

Slang
The Substance: Nitrous, Laughing Gas, Hippy Crack, N₂O


EFFECTS

Onset
When inhaled, Nitrous generally reaches full effects within a few seconds.

Duration
Effects from a single inhalation of Nitrous Oxide last a few minutes. Most recreational Nitrous use consists of multiple inhalations over a period of time.

The Experience




PROBLEMS
Although generaly considered quite safe when used medically and sparingly, it has some negative health consequences when used chronically. Heavy Nitrous use can lead to a depletion of vitamin B12. This can cause numbing of fine nerve endings, especially noticeable in the fingers and toes. Supplements of B12 may reduce the chances of this occurring in heavy users. Shots of B12 are given as a treatment for advanced depletion. If left untreated B12 deficiency can lead to long-term damage.

Most of the acute dangers associated with Nitrous Oxide are related to accidents during ingestion. In medical applications, Nitrous is dispensed in combination with Oxygen. Inhaling Nitrous alone is not required to get full effects, the effects are the result of the nitrous in the system, not of oxygen deprivation. It is important for users to take breaths of air between hits.

A handful of people also suffocate each year while using nitrous in the US when the balloon, garbage bag, or mask used to inhale the nitrous stays on the person's face as they fade from consciousness. Some tank-users also suffocate when the valve is left open in a confined space such as a car or small room.


Addiction Potential
Nitrous has gained the nickname 'hippy-crack' in some circles because it lends itself to repeated and compulsive use for some people. It is not unheard of to find individuals who use Nitrous many times a day, every day.

Its fun stuff.... try it one time.... You'll know you've had enough when you hear the echo sound....

be sure to sit down, you might hit your head.....


stay safe.

[nyko]

Heh, some guy came round selling laughing gass in balloons at leeds festival this year. Synchronium bought some, seemed pretty fun but i've heard it messes with your head.

[Synchronium]

It was hillarious. 


They were also selling at a venue in birmingham called the Custard Factory.

Basically, during the day, there're shops, cafés 'n' shit al round this area with a big pond in the middle, all closed off. At night there's often gigs going on there.

When I went (to see Pendulum, it kicked ass), the doors to each of these buildings were open, people were inside and out, sitting by this pond, checking out different DJs in all these different rooms.

So yeah, it was on sale here for about £3 a balloon.

[rexamus]

nyko, drugs are supposed to mess with your head. We don't take them to be normal.

But as to lasting mental damage or whatever, Nitrous Oxide is quite safe. Winston Churchill allegedly used it profusely....

the only effect from long-term use is a vitamin B deficiency.... So I've read, anyhow....




You can still suffocate if you do not have enough oxygen, or if you are standing when you take it (you can fall and break your head) or if you have a large cylinder of it and you get so off-guts that you pull the canister ontop of yourself (they're quite heavy).

You know if you leave 'spray-whipped cream' in the fridge for a few days without shaking it, while leaving it upright (you invert the can to get cream, but you don't want the cream.... yet) you can obtain nitrous oxide.

Just put a balloon over the nozzle, fill it, then breathe it in.... with oxygen, of course.... oh, and sitting is advised. (i.e. don't stand)



Did you hear a weird noise, Synch?

[A Toxicated Mind]

I found the high good, yet it could of lasted awhile longer i still liked it. I found that, its like a 1 in 5 chance you'd get a headache. But, i think its worth the risk.

[tweaker]

I'd suggest using a balloon, If you inhale it straight from the can you must inhale it twice to feel anything.
I believe this is the most fun I have had recently, very short, but none the less a great experience!!
 A must try!

[stimulerium]

I have a bunch of cans of this stuff but the whipped creme thing I used to use them in to inhale broke so I was wondering how I could get the gas out and into a baloon without wasting all the gas or having it explode in my face.

[mhead1es]

My brother "whipped" some of these out today.  Fun for the few minutes it lasted.  Been like two years since I last did it.  It was a much better "buzz" this time, seeing as all the equipment and neccisities were in order.