A nang is a small cylinder filled with nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. It is widely used for recreational purposes and is available in supermarkets.
Table of Contents
What is a nang?
Nangs are cylinders that contain around eight grams of nitrous oxide and can be used to produce an intense but short high. According to the 2016 Global Drug Survey, nangs are the seventh most popular recreational drug excluding alcohol, tobacco and caffeine.
They are sold as canisters and are readily available in corner stores for around $10 a pack of ten. They are also commonly used at music festivals.
A user puts a balloon over the top of the cap, then screws the lid on. As it tightens, the seal gets pierced and instantly fills the balloon with nitrous oxide, which is inhaled.
The nang’s effects are immediate and last for between 30 seconds and one minute, producing an intense but short high. Users often consume several nangs in a single session, although the high is not as intense with each use.
While nangs delivery are an easy way to get high, they do have some potential health risks. Inhaling nitrous oxide can cause serious and permanent damage to the lungs, such as heart disease or stroke.
Nangs also have the added risk of causing burns to the lips, throat or tongue. This is because nitrous oxide is extremely cold, and the nang may scald the user’s face or lips.
Nangs are also harmful to the environment. In fact, they are the third most polluting substance in the world after cigarette smoke and methane. About 500kg to a tonne of used nangs end up in landfill after just one music festival.
Origins
In Thailand, nang is a popular mascot for good luck. You’ll find a representation of her in almost every restaurant and business, particularly those that cater for tourists. In many cases, nang kwak is shown with a gold purse or money bag resting in her left hand. She beckons customers and brings them luck.
In India, nang is also associated with good fortune. She is said to have originated in the Indian province of Sawadtii and was worshipped by a Brahmin trading family who converted to Buddhism. She was originally a figurine of Supawadee riding on a cart.
According to one Buddhist legend, Supawadee was a girl who accompanied her father and mother when they traded on the market. When Buddhism and Hinduism arrived in Thailand, it is believed that the Brahmins brought with them statues of Supawadee.
As they became more successful in their trading, Thai people adopted her and changed her image to that of the modern day beckoning lady. In Thailand, nang is an icon of good luck and wealth and is a favourite figure for many Thai business owners.
It is thought that nang yai, the shadow theatre performance, originated in South Thailand and may have spread to Southeast Asia via the sea routes as well as overland from India. The history of shadow theatre is complex and the origins of nang yai are still debated.
It is not known when nang yai began but it has been performed over a wide area from Turkey in the west to China in the east. Nang yai is an art form that combines religious and ritual features as well as traditional court theatre. The performances are typically held in the evening under coconut-shell fires.
Effects
When you inhale a nang you get a 20 second euphoric high that makes you feel giddy, dizzy and relaxed. Often accompanied by uncontrollable laughter, nangs are used as a party drug.
They are available for sale in convenience stores and supermarkets for around $10 each. They are also easy to order online and can be delivered direct to your door, in next to no time.
In a medical setting, nitrous oxide has been in use for over 150 years to provide sedation and pain relief. It is also used to calm nerves during childbirth and minor dental procedures.
But doctors are warning nang use poses a serious risk. It can cause death if it is not metabolised correctly.
It can also prevent your body from producing the vitamin B12 it needs to create red blood cells and maintain brain health. It can also affect your balance and make you feel dizzy and disorientated.
Despite these serious risks, nangs are increasingly popular among partygoers. A recent survey by the Australian Trends in Ecstasy and Related Drug Markets Survey reported that nang use has increased by 10 per cent over the last year.
Nangs, or n2o (nitrous oxide), are small canisters of nitrous oxide gas. They are commonly called whippets, bulbs or nangs and they give people a 20-second high.
They are not only harmful to the environment, but they can be difficult to recycle. They are nonrecyclable and the empty canisters tend to end up in landfill, making them a huge environmental concern.
It is a shame that there is so much concern about nangs and their impact on the environment, but we must remember that banning these drugs won’t stop them being used by people, nor will it stop them being sold by unscrupulous dealers. If we want to curb the harm they can cause, we need to encourage safer alternatives.
Legality
Nitrous oxide, or nang as it is commonly known in Australia and New Zealand, is not illegal in those countries. The sale of nangs is regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and imported products must be labeled with the correct name, strength, and quantity.
Unlike many party drugs, nangs are a safe way to have a giddy, lightheaded high. They are a low-cost and popular choice for young people, who often consume several in one sitting.
When inhaled, nangs deliver an intense euphoric high that lasts for about 20 seconds. Users will feel giddy, dizzy, relaxed and giggly, often ending up in fits of laughter.
As with any substance, nangs can have a number of negative effects when used incorrectly. Often, they are used to create an effect similar to that of MDMA (ecstasy). This can lead to a range of negative consequences, including loss of motor control and dizziness.
Nangs are also sometimes used in conjunction with other substances, which can lead to fatal accidents. This can be especially true when used with alcohol, which can increase the risk of overdose.
The TGA is considering banning nitrous oxide completely, adding it to the list of prohibited substances in Australia. This would have an impact on convenience stores and late-night 7-Elevens around the country.
Safety
Da Nang is a relatively safe city with a low crime rate, but it’s still important to be aware of your surroundings. This is especially true if you’re traveling alone and not used to the area.
It’s also a good idea to carry a travel insurance policy for the duration of your trip so you can be covered should something go wrong. Luckily, there are many affordable policies available online.
The most common form of crime in Da Nang is pickpocketing, so always keep your belongings close to you if possible. This is most likely to happen in tourist areas and at night in bars or clubs.
While it’s a good idea to keep your bags and wallets locked up, it’s not necessary to do so every time you’re out. This is especially true if you’re using public transport, which may not be as safe.
Another safety precaution to consider is mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes are a major problem in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, and they can carry a serious disease known as dengue fever. It’s a good idea to use an insecticide spray or cream before you go out in the morning and evening.
Finally, be sure to wear a face mask at all times. This will help prevent you from contracting a dangerous bacteria called cryptosporidium, which can cause severe illness.
To ensure the safety of tourists visiting the city’s beaches, the Management Board of Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang tourist beaches has increased the number of lifeguards to 56. They are on duty from 4:30am to 7:00 pm daily. Trained lifeguards also work with security personnel to conduct evening patrols until 9:30 pm on coastal areas from Sao Bien to Man Thai beaches.
