Purpose: This exploratory pilot study investigated the experiences and perceptions of young people who use N2O recreationally. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first qualitative research conducted in Australia with young people investigating this topic in detail. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore young people’s perceptions, motives and experiences of N2O use by exploring the positive and negative effects of N2O, motives for use, practices and methods and suggested advice to help define targeted harm reduction messages.

Design/methodology/approach: Participants were recruited via hard copy posters, social media advertisements and snowball sampling. Seven in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with young people aged between 18 and 25 years who had used N2O on at least ten occasions. The interview transcripts were analysed thematically. The study was completed in accordance with COREQ for qualitative research.

Findings: The findings identified four overarching themes about N2O use: the nature of N2O use; the appeal of N2O; influences on N2O use; and perception of risk and harms of N2O use.

Originality/value: Young people in the study described their experiences as being largely pleasurable. However, several identified negative impacts, although harms, were primarily disregarded. Exploration of N2O effects alongside other substance use highlighted how N2O is a unique substance and should be considered as such when developing harm reduction strategies.