Nitrous oxide will become a class C drug by the end of 2023

Drugs are split into classes with each class resulting in different penalties for possession and supply and production of them.

A class C drug means anyone who is caught in possession of it could face up to two years in prison, an unlimited fine or even both.

Supply and production of class C drugs can result in up to 14 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine, according to the government website.

People who are caught in possesion of laughing gas will spend time in prison once it is categorised as a class C drug (Image: Getty images)

Nitrous oxide to become class C drug

Nitrous oxide will not only become a class C drug by the end of 2023 but it will also be outlawed the government has said, Sky News reports.

According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 36 deaths in Great Britain associated with nitrous oxide between 2001 and 2016.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said in March that nitrous oxide was helping fuel anti-social behaviour and that ministers were determined to stamp it out.

It was also confirmed that the sale of laughing gas to the public would be banned as part of a wider crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Announcing the laughing gas ban, Mr Gove told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: “I think any of us who have had the opportunity to walk through our parks in our major cities will have seen these little canisters, these silver canisters which are examples of people not only despoiling public spaces but also people taking a drug which can have a psychological and neurological affect and one that contributes to anti-social behaviour overall.”