A nang canister is a handy tool to have around the kitchen for whipping cream and other liquids. They can also be used to make nitro cold brew at home, for example.
However, nitrous oxide, or ‘nangs’ as they are often known, are being misused by young people as recreational drugs. This is putting children at risk of serious harm.
What is a nang?
A nang is a canister that contains nitrous oxide (N2O), also known as laughing gas. It is typically used in whipped cream siphons, but has also been popularised as a recreational drug by ecstasy users.
A canister of nang is filled with eight grams of nitrous oxide and can be inhaled through a mask, nanganator, or balloon to give the user an immediate euphoric effect. It can be used by a person of any age and can produce an intense but short high, but it should be utilised responsibly.
N2O is a colourless and tasteless gas that is used to sedate patients during dental procedures and can also be found in whipped cream siphons as a flavour enhancer for desserts. The use of nitrous oxide is becoming increasingly popular as a way to get high, but it can have serious health effects.
It has been linked to 17 deaths in the UK over six years, and 15 in the USA. It can cause disorientation, a lack of oxygen in the blood and a risk of heart attack or stroke. In addition, it can also lead to deficiency in the vitamin B12 needed for the body to properly function.
Nitrous oxide can be extremely addictive, especially if it is taken regularly. It is a very short-lasting high that produces feelings of euphoria and relaxation, but can also make the user feel uncontrollable and disoriented.
The use of nangs as a recreational drug is common, particularly among young people, with many citing it as the preferred drug at Schoolies Week. It is available in canisters that are often readily available for purchase in corner stores, and can be purchased for as little as $10.
While nangs are not illegal in Australia, they have been linked to an increased number of accidents and injuries. Some of these can be caused by the person inhaling nangs while standing up, which can cause them to trip or fall.
A person can also have a reaction to nangs if they inhale too much of the gas and then fall unconscious. In this case, it is important to call Triple Zero 000 immediately.
How to use a nang
The nang is not for the faint of heart and can be difficult to use if you aren’t up to speed on the chemistry involved. The best time to use a nang is in the dead of night before the locals get winded trying to navigate its smallish dimensions. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions as this is a product where a little common sense goes a long way! The nang is an excellent present for the cocktail enthusiast on your list, as it enables the creation of high-quality mojitos without the hassle of a shaker. Lastly, you can spruce up your nang with the latest of high-tech accessories to create the perfect cocktails to suit any occasion.
Nang safety
Nang canisters look like little metal cylindrical bulbs filled with nitrous oxide. They are often used in kitchens to whip cream, but they have also become increasingly popular as a recreational drug. Nangs contain nitrous oxide which is an odourless gas that can be inhaled to produce a high. It is a dangerous substance, however, as it can stop oxygen from reaching the brain and make you disorientated.
N2O is highly pressurized, meaning it can explode in extreme heat or fire, so it is important to store your nangs in a dark, cool place. Never use nangs when pregnant or have any pre-existing medical conditions, as nangs can be toxic if inhaled at the wrong time or dose.
Although death is rare, nangs can cause serious injuries. They can make you dizzy or drowsy, and they can lead to falls and other accidents, especially if you are unsteady on your feet. They can also make it hard to breathe, which can be dangerous if you are pregnant or have respiratory problems.
In Australia, deaths from nangs have been reported a few times, but the majority of these were due to ingesting large amounts or using them in a way that excludes oxygen from the body. N2O can also freeze your nose and throat, so it is a good idea to only use nangs in a safe way.
Nangs are legal in Australia, but some states have restricted their sale. South Australia, for example, has banned the sale of nangs between 10pm and 5am. It also made it illegal to sell nangs to people under the age of 18.
Nang FAQ
When you think of nangs, you probably conjure up images of little steel cartridges littering the dance floor at festivals and screeching out in the night. But while nangs are a popular – and legal – way to blow off steam at parties, they can actually be dangerous.
Nangs contain nitrous oxide, a gas that can produce an array of effects when inhaled. This includes a feeling of euphoria, lightheadedness, and heightened consciousness. However, nitrous oxide can also cause nausea, vomiting, and disorientation.
While nitrous oxide is used in dental surgeries, dentists and other medical professions as an anaesthetic, recreational usage of nangs can be very dangerous. This is because nitrous oxide prevents oxygen from reaching the brain, making it more likely to make users dizzy and disoriented. Inhaling nitrous oxide while standing up can cause a person to fall or injure themselves.
Despite their popularity, many state governments in Australia have been banning the sale of nangs as part of a suite of restrictions. The South Australian government is leading the way, with a range of measures in place including the banning of sales between 10pm and 5am. The ban is part of a larger initiative to crack down on nang misuse, which is often linked to the use of other drugs such as ecstasy. Despite this, nangs still remain popular and are widely available online.