A New California Restriction on Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide has become an increasingly popular party drug among young people. State Sen. Catherine S. Blakespear is doing something about it.
The senator for California’s District 38—which includes Mission Viejo—authored legislation aimed at limiting its abuse. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 936 into law on September 18.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, has been used by doctors and dentists for more than a century. The gas can produce feelings of calm, happiness and euphoria. It’s also sold in small cartridges known as whippets for use as a charger for whipped cream dispensers. Flavored varieties such as bubble gum, vanilla cupcake and tropical punch have helped fuel experimentation with the gas among teens and young adults.
The abuse of nitrous is no laughing matter, however. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that inhaling nitrous oxide can cause serious health problems, including abnormal blood counts, asphyxiation, loss of consciousness, neurological problems, psychiatric disturbances and, in some cases, death.
What SB 936 Does
SB 936 prohibits the sale or distribution of nitrous oxide containers capable of holding more than 8 grams, along with canisters designed for direct inhalation. The law also prohibits flavored nitrous oxide and devices designed to facilitate inhalation, while providing exceptions for legitimate uses in the medical, dental, culinary and automotive industries.
“I thank the Governor for signing SB 936, which ensures nitrous oxide is only sold in large canisters for its intended purposes to prevent dangerous misuse and public safety risks,” Sen. Blakespear said. “Nitrous oxide is addictive and can be harmful, and that’s why it's essential we restrict its sale.”
The new law is part of a broader effort to curb recreational nitrous oxide use. Several California counties have already adopted restrictions, including Orange County.
