Mass 'laughing gas' protest held in Parliament Square

  • Drugs
Protesters simultaneously breathed in the "laughing gas" in Parliament Square. Credit: PA

A mass inhalation of so-called "hippy crack" was carried out in the shadow of Parliament on Saturday in protest at the Government's drug policy.

Many of the 60 or 70 protesters erupted into giggles and laughter after filling balloons with nitrous oxide and simultaneously breathing in the "laughing gas" in Parliament Square.

The Government plans to introduce a new law to ban any mood-altering drugs or "legal highs" that are not specifically exempt under current legislation.

The protest was held in opposition to Government plans to change the law. Credit: PA

Zale Impala, who took part in the protest, described the effect of the drug on him as like being in a "blossoming garden".

He said: "If it's made illegal for us to alter our own consciousness, that's a severe impingement on our freedom."

Stephen Reid, founder of the Psychedelic Society, said: "The Government 's rationale for prohibiting trade in psychoactive substances is that their use can be risky.

"Yes, the use of psychoactive substances can be risky, but it should be for individuals to decide whether or not to take the risk.

"People should be able to buy, sell and use whatever substances they want, so long as there's no harm to others."