Nitrous Retail Ban
Congress Advances Bill to Ban Retail Nitrous Oxide Sales Amid Rising Deaths
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Congress is moving to ban retail sales of nitrous oxide after a dramatic rise in deaths linked to recreational use of the gas. Reported nitrous-related deaths jumped 500 percent between 2010 and 2023, according to WSAZ.
Known colloquially as 'laughing gas,' nitrous oxide has legitimate uses in dentistry, medicine, and cooking. But it is increasingly being sold at retail stores for people to inhale as a drug. Federal lawmakers are now pushing to close that loophole.
House Bill Would Cut Off Retail Access Nationwide
California Democratic Rep. Kevin Mullin has introduced a bill to ban retail sales of nitrous oxide. Under his proposal, everyday consumers could no longer walk into a store and buy it. However, legitimate users — such as doctors, dentists, and chefs — could still purchase the gas through proper channels, according to WBTV.
The bill would also create a national framework to regulate who can access nitrous oxide. It would give the Food and Drug Administration greater oversight over how the product is sold and distributed, KGNS reported.
Senate Democrats Target 'Deceptive Marketing' of the Gas
On the Senate side, Democratic lawmakers have introduced their own legislation. Their bill focuses on 'deceptive marketing' — the practice of selling nitrous oxide as a food or cooking product while knowing buyers plan to misuse it, according to Fox 8 Live.
Sellers have long used culinary labeling as a workaround. Large canisters marketed as whipped cream chargers have become a common way to get nitrous oxide into recreational users' hands. The Senate bill aims to crack down on that kind of misleading packaging and promotion.
FDA Has Already Flagged Nitrous Oxide as a Danger
The FDA has been warning about nitrous oxide abuse for years. The agency has flagged the risks of inhaling the gas, which can cause oxygen deprivation, nerve damage, and death. The new legislation would give the FDA formal power to act, rather than just issue warnings, KPLC TV reported.
Several states have already passed their own rules limiting nitrous oxide sales. But lawmakers say a patchwork of state laws is not enough. A federal standard would close gaps that allow sellers to operate freely in states with no restrictions, according to WOWT.
Deaths Keep Rising as Recreational Use Spreads
The 500-percent increase in deaths is the central number driving the push for federal action. Nitrous oxide has been widely available at gas stations, smoke shops, and online retailers. Its low cost and easy access have made it popular, especially among younger users, according to My Suncoast.
Inhaling nitrous oxide in large amounts cuts off oxygen to the brain. It can trigger seizures, cause heart failure, or lead to accidents when users lose consciousness. With deaths still climbing, supporters of the bill say waiting is no longer an option, Live 5 News reported.
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