While the name may be unfamiliar to people outside of Australia and New Zealand, it is quite well-known in those countries.
“Nang” is the most common term for the baking equipment “cream chargers” that contain nitrous oxide, a gas that utilised with a cream dispenser/ whipper / cracker allows the creation/alteration of cream to whip cream – also allows the user to enhance and infuse N2O with beverages & more.
However, the contents,Nitrous oxide has been around for much longer and had other uses before it was commonly used for the baking aspects of the gas, most notably used as an anesthetic since the 1800s and is still used for this purpose today in dentistry and childbirth.
Misuse / use of Nangs & N2O
Nangs unfortunately may be known to some for their recreational presents when the baking product is misused and the N2O gas is inhaled.
Improper use of the kitchen equipment, for example, using a cream canister filled with nitrous oxide gas from a nang without applying the normal procedure of applying thickened cream or infusing the gas with a beverage – instead the user inhales the contents.
N20, the contents in Nangs, is also used in race cars to increase engine power (nos) and as a propellant for whipped cream, cooking sprays, and aerosol products.
Effects of misuse of Nangs / n2O
If nangs/cream chargers or another product that contains nitrous oxide is misused for inhalation, the N2o is known to cause a feeling of euphoria and relaxation. Some users say that they experience calmness and out-of-body experiences, while others claim that they feel less anxious.
Generally speaking, the inhalation effects of N2O vary from person to person and even from dose to dose but they generally include euphoria, increased energy and alertness, reduced anxiety, enhanced mood, increased empathy for others, heightened libido (sexual desire), increased sociability (willingness to talk), and a sense of closeness with others.
Typically, these effects are short-lived. They can last anywhere from half an hour to an hour, depending on how much of the gas is consumed at once.
That said, people do report negative side effects after using N2O especially for long periods of time or in high doses. These effects may include nausea, vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, paranoia, and hallucinations.
N2O may affect your judgment and coordination, which increases the risk of accidents like car crashes. It can also cause you to pass out and even cause long-term damage to your liver, kidneys, nerves, and brain if the balance in someones body of N2O dangerously exceeds oxygen.
Long term effects are detrimental for someone who uses N2O in excess & constantly , which leads to low B12 – which causes fatigue, headaches and if not treated by a doctor (B12 supplements/injections), more severe deficiency in B12 can lead to more further complications including heart attacks and irreversible nerve damage.
It’s important to remember that while these side effects may not occur every single time someone uses N2O or even most times, they can still happen unexpectedly when someone uses them – therefore it is extremely dangerous to drive, or even stand under the influence of N2O as it may cause serious or fatal injuries to yourself, & others.
There have been reports of people dying from using N2O with other substances. One report in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health found that illegal N2O consumption may also be associated with an increased risk of fatal accidents. This could explain why nangs are prohibited in some countries.
Are Nangs Illegal in Australia?
Nangs are not illegal in Australia. However, their sale and importation are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The sale of nangs is only allowed by businesses that have been licensed by the TGA. The importation of nangs is also regulated, and all imported products must be labeled with their correct name, strength, and quantity.
There are a number of reasons why nang ownership and use are regulated in Australia. Firstly, they contain the chemical compound nitrous oxide (N2O), which can have harmful effects on people’s health if used incorrectly.
Secondly, nangs can be misused, for example, by inhaling the N2O contents using the partnered baking products, eg. Cream Dispenser (rather than using a proper breathing mask administered by a professional). This can lead to serious health problems such as seizures, brain damage, and even death.
Finally, noise pollution caused by using the gas n2O is associated with being very loud, loud hissing noises made by baking supplies that utilise nitrous oxide can be a nuisance to neighbours.
There are further laws and regulations surrounding the sale, distribution, and use of nangs in Australia which can be found on the Australian Government’s website.
Also, it is important to know that Nangs in Australia are prohibited for sale to those under the age of 18. If you are caught selling nangs to someone under the age of 18, you can face a hefty fine or imprisonment.
What Are Nangs Called Outside Australia?
Other names for nangs or other N2O products include whippets, whip-its, whippersnappers, bulbs, chargers and nos.
Nangs Legality Per Country
Nangs are legal in many places around the world, including Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States (depending on the state), Canada, and New Zealand.
In the United Kingdom, nangs are legal to import and sell – with the loosest regulations regarding the misuse of the baking products and N2O, as it’s classified as ‘legal highs’ and are regulated under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.
In Canada, nangs fall under the category of ‘non-controlled products’ and are legal to import & sell.
In New Zealand, nangs are not specifically mentioned in legislation but are considered legal to import & sell.
In the United States, the baking products are classified as ‘drug paraphernalia’ and their sale is illegal in some states, whereas some it’s legal to import & sell in others.
Other countries that legislate the sale of nangs include France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Final Remarks
Across the world, nangs are very popular, the baking product is utilised by big franchise companies (starbucks), local cafes, bars, and home kitchens.
While the negative side of misuse of the baking products including Nangs, has led to some places outright banning it to consumers and most putting legislation to try to keep it out of the wrong hands.
We believe anyone or company should do their due diligence to ensure their customers are using their products for intended purposes – although the outright restriction of the sale of nangs, would be a big shame for the people and companies who utilise the product for the intended purposes, furthermore, it would be a dangerous precedent to be set for government regulation on a market.
