Australian campaigner warns of nitrous oxide harms after psychosis and recovery
Sam Bramman says his nitrous oxide use escalated from trying the drug at a party to consuming up to 50 canisters a day within six months, followed by drug-induced psychosis and hospitalisation. Now 22, he is campaigning to warn others about the risks and support tighter controls on sales.
Bramman’s parents found him on the Gold Coast and took him to hospital, where he spent two months in a psychiatric ward; he later spent 18 months bedridden while coming off antipsychotic medication. He founded the No2Nangs campaign and ran 300km from Sydney to Canberra to press for regulation. New South Wales laws taking effect on 5 November will ban sales to under-18s, limit retail sales of small bulbs to 250g per customer per day, and restrict how and where products are sold.
In short
- Sam Bramman says he became dependent on nitrous oxide within months.
- He experienced psychosis and spent two months in a psychiatric ward.
- He is campaigning for stronger controls on sales.
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The case for
Tighter controls could help prevent young people from accessing nitrous oxide casually and make heavy consumption harder, while Bramman’s experience highlights the potentially severe harms that can follow intensive use. Supporters may see age limits and sales restrictions as a proportionate way to reduce risk and raise awareness without banning all access.
The case against
Restrictions may burden legitimate culinary and other lawful uses, while limits on retail sales could be difficult to enforce or prompt buyers to seek less regulated sources. Those wary of tighter controls may prefer targeted education, health support and enforcement against misuse, arguing these address the risks without broadly limiting lawful sales.
Explained simply
Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is used in medicine and in products such as whipped-cream chargers. Some people inhale it for its short-lived effects, but heavy or frequent use can damage health and lead to dependence.
Sam Bramman is an Australian campaigner who says his use led to psychosis and a lengthy recovery. He set up the No2Nangs campaign to raise awareness and call for tighter rules on sales.
Debate about access involves people who use the gas, retailers and health authorities. Governments have considered controls to reduce harm while accounting for its lawful uses.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Sam was taking 50 nangs a day before his life unravelled. Now he’s fighting to stop others making the same mistake”.