The item, scheduled for the March 3 meeting, is for discussion only and seeks direction from the council on whether staff should draft a formal ordinance. Police Chief Ruben Chavez wrote in a staff report that Gustine currently has no municipal regulations governing the sale of the canisters, which are widely used in the culinary industry but increasingly misused as an inhalant.
Nitrous oxide, sold in small cartridges for whipped cream dispensers and in larger commercial canisters, can produce a brief euphoric effect when inhaled. Chavez said communities nationwide are reporting increased abuse, which can lead to nerve damage, spinal cord injury, cognitive impairment, cardiac complications and, in severe cases, death.
California law already prohibits possession of nitrous oxide with intent to inhale, bans sales to minors and requires sellers to keep transaction records. But Chavez said gaps in state law allow adults to purchase larger canisters without demonstrating legitimate use, creating opportunities for misuse…