Is Inhaling Laughing Gas Impermissible?

Answered by Ustadh Salman Younas
Question: Is Inhaling Laughing Gas Impermissible?
Answer: assalamu `alaykum
Ruling on the permissibility or impermissibility of laughing gas would depend on the manner in which it is used.
Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is used extensively in the medical field as an anesthetic and for pain relief. The World Health Organization has identified it on its list of essential medicines. Therefore, using nitrous oxide in this capacity is permitted as it serves a genuine medical purpose. [Ibn `Abidin, Hashiya]
However, laughing gas is also used in recreational capacities and within this context it would be impermissible to inhale due to the fact that its effects are akin to those experienced through the use of drugs, such as dizziness, euphoria, derealisation, and so forth.
While the effects and risks associated with inhaling laughing gas is not as severe as using more potent and dangerous drugs, many scholars have deemed intoxicants of all types to be impermissible even if taken in small amounts based on the prophetic statement, “If a large amount intoxicates then a small amount is prohibited.” [Nasa’i, Sunan; Ahmad; Musnad]
Salman
Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.