Nitrous Oxide: Alexandra Borchio Fontimp Gets Two Amendments Adopted in the Senate

The senator from Alpes-Maritimes obtained the adoption of two amendments as part of the bill on regulating nitrous oxide. The measures concern the prohibition of certain containers and financial support for municipalities.

Alexandra Borchio Fontimp announced the adoption of two amendments during the examination of the bill on regulating nitrous oxide.

The senator from Alpes-Maritimes, Alexandra Borchio Fontimp, had been committed “for a long time in the fight against misuse of nitrous oxide.” A question to the Government had been raised on February 7, 2025. An amendment had also been filed on March 26, 2024 as part of the law on vehicular homicide. The issues raised were “the normalization of this gas,” “its serious neurological consequences,” and “the very real impact of these practices on public spaces and the tranquility of territories.”

Alexandra Borchio Fontimp advocated for “a balanced approach: acting firmly against toxic uses, while preserving legitimate professional uses.” The senator clarified: “it is neither about stigmatizing nor moralizing, but about protecting, preventing and holding accountable.”

Prohibition of containers and support for municipalities

The first amendment aimed to prohibit containers allowing direct inhalation of nitrous oxide. The following were mentioned: “hospitalizations, severe neurological sequelae, broken life paths.” The measure targeted “the material supports of misuse” without calling into question authorized professional uses.

Alexandra Borchio Fontimp declared: “economic freedom cannot justify inaction in the face of a public health emergency. Protecting young people and preventing health disasters must remain an absolute priority.”

The second amendment provided for allocating the proceeds of fines related to nitrous oxide violations to the investment section of municipalities. The following were noted: “massive deposits of cartridges in public spaces, damage, nuisances, increased mobilization of municipal services and sometimes municipal police.” The reorientation of sanctions was to allow funding “local prevention, safety and equipment actions, without creating new spending for the State.”

The Senate also adopted a text prohibiting the sale of nitrous oxide to individuals. The sales ban previously concerned only minors. The adopted text provided that it would be “prohibited to sell, offer, possess or transport nitrous oxide.” The fine amount was set at 7,500 euros, with proceeds going to municipalities.