Russia's drug control agency has proposed banning sales of nitrous oxide - also known as laughing gas, which sale is unrestricted now.

      "Laughing gas is, in our opinion, another challenge to our country because nitrous oxide is not controllable," Viktor Ivanov, head of the Federal Drug Control Service, said. He also finds it important to introduce rules regardings its sales as soon as possible.

      The gas is currently on unrestricted sale. It has become very popular among youngsters recently. Balloons filled with nitrous oxide can be bought in clubs, parties and even public places for rest. Filling lungs, the "laughing gas" arouses oxygen shortage and drug intoxication in the organism.

      The effect is not very long and strong, so no wonder that many gas lovers are convinced it is the most harmless way to "go high".

      Unfotunately, it is not true. Experts warn that the substance, which is also used as anaesthetic, "affects the central nervous system and inflicts significant harm to health." The overdose can lead to asphyxiation and painful hallucinations, which have already brought several people to mental hospitals.

      Ivanov said the agency would get the government to look at the proposal to ban sales of nitrous oxide "in the next few days."