“People have been having fun with nitrous oxide — even in the name of science — virtually since its discovery more than 240 years ago. In fact, it’s only been the last 100 years or so that nitrous oxide has been more often used for ‘legit’ purposes.” BoingBoing’s Lisa Rodriguez on the surprising history of hippy crack. (Sucking it doesn’t suck.)

+ Vox: The 3 deadliest drugs in America are all totally legal.