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.”

The new ordinance empowers residents to report the sale of Nitrous Oxide canisters by calling (714) 834-3550 or visiting the dedicated website at bit.ly/noxoc. Foley assured that the county would take action on these reports to safeguard public health.

Following the initial reading of the ordinance, the Costa Mesa Police Department took decisive action against two smoke shops for illegal sales, seizing 7,451 canisters and chargers that could have been misused for recreational purposes.

Vice Chair Foley expressed her intent to collaborate with various local agencies, including the Orange County Health Care Agency and the District Attorney’s office, to launch a comprehensive public education campaign and to better track data on Nitrous Oxide use in the community.