The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday took the first step toward banning the recreational sale of nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas” or “whippets,” in unincorporated areas of the county.
Supervisors voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance that would prohibit over-the-counter sales of nitrous oxide for recreational use. Medical, industrial, culinary, and automotive sales would still be permitted under the measure.
Board Chair Kimberly De Serpa, who sponsored the ordinance, said the move is aimed at protecting young people from the growing trend of recreational use…