Laughing gas canisters were found dumped across urban and suburban areas of Britain (Photo: Getty).
"Today we are sending a clear signal to everyone, especially young people, that misuse of nitrous oxide is not only dangerous to health but also illegal," said Minister of State for Policing Chris Philp.
Mr Philp said that "the use of this drug in public places has long contributed to anti-social behaviour, causing harm to the community".
The sale of nitrous oxide in bottles has boomed in recent decades, with UK teenagers inhaling the gas recreationally. Bottles of laughing gas are found littering urban and suburban areas across the UK.
Doctors warn that long-term use of laughing gas can cause anemia, nerve damage and spinal injuries. It has also been linked to antisocial behavior.
The laughing gas ban was initially proposed by Chancellor Rishi Sunak's government in March as part of a crackdown on disorderly behaviour ahead of next year's general election.
Mr Philp insisted police now had the necessary powers to deal with it "with zero tolerance", and warned that those caught with nitrous oxide would face the consequences.
Britain has long banned the deliberate supply of nitrous oxide for non-medical purposes, but canned nitrous oxide is still widely available online and on the streets.
The UK Home Office said under new regulations, it is a crime to possess the gas illegally for use as a psychotropic agent.
Violators may be subject to unlimited fines, community service, and a criminal record warning. Serious repeat offenders may be imprisoned.
The maximum penalty for the crime of producing, supplying, exporting or importing laughing gas for illegal purposes has been doubled, from 7 years to 14 years in prison.
The Home Office notes that nitrous oxide has long been used in healthcare, catering and other industries. Those with legitimate reasons for use are exempt from the ban.
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