Minister of Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed (KD) wants to see the government work on a bill regarding the sale of nitrous oxide as soon as possible.
He believes that the issue should be dealt with on a fast track in the Riksdag and that the bill will thus be processed by the Riksdag at the same time as it is processed by the EU Commission instead of after, which is unusual for new bills.
– It is extremely important to get legislation in place. Nitrous oxide harms young people and fuels the criminal economy, says Jakob Forssmed to Sveriges Radio.
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Several bans already in place – can result in fines
In several different parts of the country, attempts have been made to tackle the problem with nitrous oxide. In November 2023, it was decided in Linköping to introduce nitrous oxide-free zones.
On November 1, 2024, a so-called ordinance was introduced in Malmö where nitrous oxide was banned in certain places. After this, the police in Malmö can fine people who violate this.
– People who inhale nitrous oxide quickly become very affected. It is often noisy and a lot of shouting in these situations and it creates discomfort among people around, says Johannes Dontsiosmunicipal police in Malmö, in one press release.
READ MORE: Do you live here? The new ban came into force on 1 November
If the proposal does not end up on the fast track as Forssmed wishes, the bill will be forwarded to the EU Commission and then frozen for three months while the Commission decides whether the proposal is approved or not. The bill can then be debated in the Riksdag.
Jakob Forssmed (KD). Photo: Claudio Bresciani / TT.
The parties agree that the sale and use of nitrous oxide for intoxicating purposes requires measures to stop it.
The opposition parties also agree with Forssmed and a representative of the Social Democrats tells the channel that they are willing to set aside other plans in order to get the bill approved.
READ MORE: The Swedish city that bans nitrous oxide: “Serious abuse”
Then the bill can become a reality
The opposition parties believe that a new law can be in place as early as July 1, 2025.
In an investigation, it has been proposed that it should be prohibited to sell nitrous oxide to people under the age of 18 and that nitrous oxide should not be sold for intoxicating purposes at all.
Social Affairs Minister Jakob Forssmed wants to see that legislation is introduced no later than January 1, 2026, earlier if possible, he tells the channel.
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