New Zealand Targets Recreational "Nangs" Misuse With Automatic Psychoactive Classification for Large Canisters

The NZ government targets "nangs" misuse by reclassifying large canisters as psychoactive substances. New import rules require Director-General approval.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 2:48 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Closing Enforcement Loopholes The government is moving to eliminate the legal gray area surrounding the recreational inhalation of nitrous oxide, commonly known as "nangs." While the gas has legitimate applications in medicine and the culinary arts, its misuse as a recreational drug has surged. Under the new regulations, all canisters exceeding 10 grams—some containing as much as 3.3 liters of gas—will be automatically regulated under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013. This change effectively removes the burden of proof from law enforcement, who previously had to demonstrate a buyer's intent to use the gas for a psychoactive effect.

Heightened Import Restrictions In addition to domestic reclassification, a new import restriction will be implemented under the Customs and Excise Act 2018. All importers of nitrous oxide, regardless of the canister size, must now obtain formal approval from the Director-General of Health before bringing the product into the country. Health Minister Simeon Brown stated that the Ministry has found no legitimate commercial or catering use for the larger 3.3-liter canisters, suggesting their primary market is recreational misuse. The new permit system aims to filter out high-risk supply while maintaining access for legitimate medical and commercial users.

Public Health and Police Powers Police Minister Mark Mitchell emphasized that the automatic classification provides clearer tools for officers to crack down on retailers putting communities at risk. Recent investigations revealed that numerous dairies and convenience stores were selling large canisters with almost no oversight. Under the Act, those found selling or supplying the gas for psychoactive purposes face severe penalties, including up to two years of imprisonment or fines reaching $500,000. The government views these measures as essential to address a "serious public health concern" involving long-lasting physiological harms.

Political Debate Over Drug Strategy While the crackdown has received broad support from the Labour Party, some political figures have questioned the efficacy of a purely punitive approach. Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick cautioned that "drugs are winning the war on drugs," advocating for an evidence-based, health-centered strategy rather than relying solely on criminalization. Conversely, Labour leader Chris Hipkins supported the change bu...