91É«ÇéƬ

The Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS) is a national drug monitoring system intended to identify emerging trends of local and national concern in illicit drug markets, and forms part of Drug Trends.

This bulletin examines trends in the use of nitrous product types, purchase sources, and reported difficulties purchasing nitrous oxide.

Key findings

• Recent nitrous oxide use declined among the EDRS sample, from 49% in 2021 to 31% in 2025.
• Use of larger canisters increased substantially, rising from 6% of those reporting recent use in 2021 to 51% in 2025, while use of small bulbs declined from 98% to 73%.
• Corner stores remained the most commonly reported source of larger canisters, increasing from 36% in 2023 to 53% in 2025.
• Difficulty purchasing nitrous oxide remained uncommon, although reports increased slightly from 4% in 2023 to 10% in 2025.

Discussion

These findings suggest a clear shift from the use of small bulbs to larger canisters, which is concerning given emerging evidence linking these products to greater exposure (e.g. faster balloon refills) and increased neurotoxicity. Continued sourcing from corner stores and 24/7 delivery services, alongside only a small increase in reported purchasing difficulties, suggests that nitrous oxide remained readily accessible despite regulatory responses and dissemination of information about health harms. This likely reflects ongoing consumer demand and retail profit incentives. Overall, findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of use, harms, and market dynamics, continued refinement of regulatory responses, and a balanced approach addressing supply, demand, and harm reduction. This should include measures targeting large canisters, novelty packaging, flavouring, and multi-canister promotions, while minimising the risk of unintended consequences such as displacement to unregulated markets or reduced help-seeking.

Read the full bulletin

Recommended citation

Grigg J, Lenton, S. Nitrous oxide product types and sources among people who regularly use ecstasy and/or other illicit stimulants, 2021-2025. Sydney: National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, 91É«ÇéƬ Sydney; 2026. Available from:

Funding and copyright

Drug Trends is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under the Drug and Alcohol Program.

©NDARC, 91É«ÇéƬ SYDNEY 2026 

This work is copyright. You may download, display, print and reproduce this material in unaltered form only (retaining this notice) for your personal, non-commercial use or use within your organisation. All other rights are reserved. Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the information manager, NDARC, 91É«ÇéƬ Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia via drugtrends@unsw.edu.au.

Download this resource

• Nitrous oxide products types and sources among people who regularly use ecstasy and/or other illicit stimulants, 2021-2025

Contact

For further information, contact Jodie Grigg at j.grigg@curtin.edu.au

Research areas