General decree for the protection of young people – a public safety ordinance is to follow
Nauheim. The municipality of Nauheim has issued a general order prohibiting the administration of nitrous oxide to minors . As Mayor Marc Friedrich (independent) announced, the regulation came into effect on July 25, 2025, and is based on the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG) in conjunction with the Administrative Offenses Act (§ 17 OWiG) .
The measure is being taken due to the increasing number of empty nitrous oxide cartridges found in public spaces – including around the skate park, at the "Waldstraße" playground, and at other locations within the municipality. While there is currently no evidence of use by minors, the locations where they have been found suggest a potential risk.
Protection against abuse and health risks
The municipality intends to act preventively with this order. Nitrous oxide (chemically: dinitrogen monoxide, N₂O ) is a colorless gas that was originally developed for medical and industrial purposes, but has spread in recent years as a cheap party drug among young people .
The health consequences are significant: In addition to short-term effects such as euphoria, tingling, or hallucinations, permanent damage, including paralysis or brain damage, occur. The German Medical Journal (Deutsches Ärzteblatt) already warned in 2024 about the consequences of abuse, especially with regular use.
Broader regulations planned through new hazard prevention ordinance
The new general order was developed in close consultation with department head Elif Demir , service manager Lea Seibert , and the Nauheim public order office . After the summer holidays, it is to be replaced by a more comprehensive public safety ordinance (GefAbwVO) , which is currently being prepared internally.
This new regulation is intended to address not only the issue of nitrous oxide but also other aspects of public life, such as:
- Behavior in public spaces
- open fire outdoors
- Dog ownership
- Cleaning and repair of vehicles
- general administrative offenses
Exchange planned with the health department and addiction counseling service
Marc Friedrich emphasizes that the municipality is also preventative dialogue with specialist agencies . An initial exchange with the Groß-Gerau district health department has already taken place. Further discussions, for example with the Friends of Addiction Support Association , are planned to provide early information about developments and to develop further preventative measures.
The nitrous oxide cartridges will be disposed of by the municipal depot as hazardous waste at a charge .
Further information on the legal basis is available from the Federal Ministry of Health:
www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/presse/pressemitteilungen/bundeskabinett-beschliesst-lachgasverbot-pm-01-07-25.html
(RIEDSTADT – RED/PSR)
Photos: Nitrous oxide cartridges found in Nauheim. Photo: Municipality of Nauheim
