最高法：未成年人成为新型毒品滥用高危人群 有的已沦为犯罪者

Core Viewpoint - The rise of new drug abuse among minors, including middle school students, poses significant risks, leading to addiction and potential involvement in drug-related crimes [1][2]. Group 1: Characteristics of New Drug Abuse - Minors are particularly vulnerable to new types of drugs due to their immature judgment and strong curiosity, making them susceptible to misuse and manipulation [1]. - New drugs exhibit strong concealment and disguise characteristics, often being disguised as everyday items like chocolates, snacks, and beverages, complicating enforcement efforts [1]. Group 2: Specific Substances and Legal Response - The abuse of nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") and other unregulated addictive substances has increased significantly, with a notable proportion of users being minors [2]. - The legal system is adapting to address the challenges posed by unregulated substances, ensuring that even if substances are not classified as drugs, related criminal activities are prosecuted [2][3]. Group 3: Preventive Measures and Public Awareness - Courts are actively engaging in public legal education to raise awareness about the dangers of unregulated substances, particularly among youth [3]. - There is a push for regulatory bodies to assess and potentially classify substances like nitrous oxide to enhance control and prevention efforts [3].