In a significant move aimed at curbing the recreational abuse of Nitrous Oxide, the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to ban the sale of the gas in unincorporated areas. This decision, spearheaded by Vice Chair Katrina Foley, marks the first county-level ban of its kind in California.
Vice Chair Foley introduced the ordinance in light of rising concerns over the accessibility and misuse of Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as NOX, laughing gas, or whippets. In her statement, Foley emphasized the dangers associated with the substance, comparing its sale in stores to that of candy. “NOX suffocates your brain and causes serious neurological harm or even death,” she cautioned. She highlighted a significant loophole in state law that currently allows the sale of NOX canisters in smoke shops and liquor stores.
“Where the state falls short, the County of Orange and our cities must step up to enhance public safety,” Foley declared. “Allowing the sale of nitrous oxide at local shops offers zero benefits to consumers; it only endangers public health and safety.”…