Sen. Blakespear Introduces Legislation Aimed at Preventing Nitrous Oxide Abuse
SB 936 would prohibit the sale of nitrous oxide, except as needed for industry uses, to limit its widespread use as a recreational drug
SACRAMENTO – Sen. Catherine S. Blakespear, D-Encinitas, has introduced legislation aimed at preventing the widespread abuse of nitrous oxide as a recreational drug by limiting its sale to specific uses in certain industries.
SB 936 would prohibit the public sale of nitrous oxide canisters larger than 8 grams, with exceptions for legitimate uses in the medical, dental, culinary and automotive industries. The canisters, known as whippets, have become a popular recreational drug among youth but can have deadly consequences, especially for those who choose to drive while intoxicated by it.
“The rise in emergency room visits and car accidents connected to nitrous oxide is alarming,” Sen. Blakespear said. “SB 936 takes the next logical step in helping to prevent dangerous usage of nitrous oxide by limiting its sale for only its intended purposes.”
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, nitrous oxide can produce a variety of serious health problems, such as abnormal blood counts, asphyxiation, blood clots, frostbite, headache, impaired bowel and bladder function, lightheadedness, limb weakness, loss of consciousness, numbness, palpitations, paralysis, psychiatric disturbances, tingling, trouble walking and even death.
Nitrous oxide is often sold in canisters as a food processing propellant for whipped cream or other culinary uses, and those marketed with flavors – such as bubble gum, vanilla cupcake or tropical punch – and are popular among children and young adults to use as a drug. As a result, driving while intoxicated by nitrous oxide, although illegal, is on the rise nationally and in San Diego County.
SB 936 follows action taken by the states of Nebraska and Louisiana and the California counties of Humboldt, Orange, San Mateo and Santa Cruz banning the retail sale of whippets.
The bill is sponsored by the Rural Counties Representatives of California (RCRC) and the National Stewardship Action Council.
“Existing state laws are not effectively deterring the illicit sale and recreational use of nitrous oxide, so it’s time for California’s Legislature to follow the lead of local jurisdictions and other states like Nebraska and Louisiana,” said Mendocino County Supervisor Madeline Cline, a board member of RCRC.
Sen. Blakespear represents Senate District 38, which covers northern San Diego County and southern Orange County. To learn more about the district and Sen. Blakespear, visit her Senate website.