The Complete Guide & History of N. Oxide | Safety Guide

Summary

This video delves into the history and effects of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. It was once used for entertainment and later recognized for its medical value as an anesthetic. The script discusses the legal status of nitrous oxide and its potential dangers, particularly vitamin B12 deficiency when used excessively. It also covers safe administration methods and the unique experiences when nitrous oxide is mixed with other substances. The video aims to educate on harm reduction without promoting substance use.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The speaker's voice has deepened due to an increased steroid dose, which is not a video effect but an actual change.
• 🎈 Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas or hippie crack, is the main subject of the video, and it has a history of recreational and medical use.
• 🔬 Humphrey Davey discovered nitrous oxide's potential as a surgical anesthetic, but it wasn't widely adopted for about 50 years.
• 💸 Samuel Cole, an entrepreneur, profited from nitrous oxide exhibitions and used the money to develop the infamous Colt 45 pistol.
• 🦷 Dr. Wells is credited with the discovery of anesthesia using nitrous oxide during a dental procedure, despite an initial public demonstration that went awry.
• 🌐 Nitrous oxide is currently used in operating rooms, for childbirth, emergency care, and dental procedures, and is legally available for purchase in many places.
• ⚠️ Long-term recreational use of nitrous oxide can lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency, causing permanent neurological damage or even death.
• 💊 The video emphasizes harm reduction, advising on the safe use of nitrous oxide, including taking vitamin B12 to prevent deficiency.
• 🌡️ Nitrous oxide is administered using a balloon due to the gas being extremely cold, which could damage the lungs if inhaled directly.
• 🧪 The pharmacological effects of nitrous oxide are primarily due to its action as an NMDA receptor antagonist, similar to dissociative compounds like ketamine and PCP.
• 🌈 When mixed with other substances, nitrous oxide can produce intense effects, with the speaker describing experiences similar to those of LSD, DMT, and MDMA.

Q & A

What is the speaker's reason for their deeper voice in the video?

The speaker mentions that their voice sounds deeper due to an increased dose of steroids, not due to a video effect.

What are the common names for nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide is commonly known as 'laughing gas', 'N2O', and colloquially referred to as 'hippi crack'.

What was the historical significance of nitrous oxide in the medical field?

Nitrous oxide was discovered to have anesthetic properties by Dr. Wells, leading to its use in dental and medical procedures for pain relief.

How did Samuel Colt profit from nitrous oxide?

Samuel Colt profited from nitrous oxide by staging public exhibitions where people would pay to experience the effects of the gas, using the money to develop and produce his Colt 45 pistol.

What is the potential danger of nitrous oxide related to vitamin B12?

Prolonged recreational use of nitrous oxide can lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause permanent neurological damage and even death if untreated.

Is nitrous oxide legal in most places?

Yes, nitrous oxide is generally legal and can be purchased in stores or online, often for culinary purposes.

What is the recommended way to use nitrous oxide according to the speaker?

The speaker advises using nitrous oxide sparingly and taking vitamin B12 to prevent deficiency, emphasizing harm reduction and safety.

What are the typical effects of nitrous oxide when used on its own?

The effects of nitrous oxide when used alone include a buzzing in the ears, visual pinwheels, a slight mood boost, and a feeling of relaxation.

How does nitrous oxide affect the body physiologically?

Nitrous oxide acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist, leading to a disconnection of neurons and resulting in a loss of feeling and difficulty moving.

What is the chemical structure of nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide has a linear molecular structure with a central nitrogen atom double-bonded to both another nitrogen atom and an oxygen atom.

How does the speaker describe the experience of mixing nitrous oxide with other substances?

The speaker describes the experience as varying depending on the substance mixed with nitrous oxide, with effects ranging from a light version of DMT to a roller coaster feeling with MDMA.