A large proportion of German citizens support a ban on the sale of nitrous oxide, the so-called nitrous oxide, to minors, DPA reported.

The use of nitrous oxide as a drug at parties has been increasing for several years, and the euphoric substance is inhaled through balloons, BTA specifies.

A study by the "Forza" institute found that 76% of Germans surveyed support a national ban on the possession and purchase of nitrous oxide by minors, 10% are against it, and 14% cannot decide.

The study commissioned by the Commercial Health Insurance Fund – a large German public health insurer, was conducted among 1,012 people between February 12 and 18.

The sale of nitrous oxide is already banned in several German states and regions, but no national regulations have been introduced yet.

In November, the government approved a bill by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach that prohibits the use of nitrous oxide as a drug. The texts also provided for a ban on its distribution through vending machines and in 24-hour shops. The bill was also aimed at so-called knockout drops.

The topic of the use of nitrous oxide was also discussed during the ongoing negotiations to form a government between Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats and the center-left Social Democratic Party.