Politics · United States · 3 hrs ago
Los Angeles moves to make some nitrous oxide sales a crime
The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a ban on cannabis and tobacco retailers selling or distributing nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas.
The measure targets sales of the gas for misuse, though nitrous oxide also has legitimate culinary and automotive uses.
The city acted amid concern about young people inhaling the gas to get high and deaths linked to its abuse.
The city ordinance makes violations a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both.
A state law passed this year also restricts sales by tobacco retailers, but violations under that law are infractions rather than misdemeanors.
Mayor Karen Bass intends to sign the ordinance, which is expected to take effect about a month after she signs it.
City police and the city attorney’s office have not said how they will enforce the new rules.
The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a measure making it a criminal misdemeanor for cannabis and tobacco retailers to sell or distribute nitrous oxide.
The ordinance carries a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both.
Mayor Karen Bass intends to sign the measure, which is expected to take effect about a month after signing.
The measure comes amid concerns about nitrous oxide misuse and deaths linked to the gas.
- Who
- The Los Angeles City Council approved the measure. Mayor Karen Bass intends to sign it.
- What
- The measure prohibits cannabis and tobacco retailers from selling or distributing nitrous oxide. Violations would be criminal misdemeanors.
- When
- The council approved it last week. It is expected to take effect about a month after the mayor signs it.
- Where
- Los Angeles.
- Why
- City officials and supporters say nitrous oxide is dangerous and too accessible, particularly to young people.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Rialto became the first city to restrict certain sales of nitrous oxide.
State lawmakers passed SB 758, restricting nitrous oxide sales by tobacco and cigarette retailers.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 758 and SB 936.
The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved the city measure.
The ordinance is expected to take effect about a month later.
- Council vote
- Unanimous approval
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine, six months in jail, or both
- Ordinance sponsors
- Imelda Padilla and Eunisses Hernandez
- State legislation
- SB 758 and SB 936
- State governor
- Gavin Newsom
What people are saying
Reducing access is a responsibility we all need to share as a community.
This is a public health and public safety issue. Nitrous oxide is dangerous, especially in the hands of kids, and far too accessible.
To the smoke shops out there advertising and selling NOS, this is a day where we’re asking you to stop, remove these products from your shelves.
Sources
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