News Summary
Costa Mesa officials have unanimously approved a ban on recreational nitrous oxide sales, responding to rising public health concerns linked to the substance. With a reported 125% increase in police calls and arrests related to nitrous oxide from 2023 to 2024, the city aims to enhance safety through strict penalties for violations. Legitimate uses for medical and food purposes remain exempt. This ordinance aligns with recent similar actions throughout Orange County, emphasizing public health education on the dangers of nitrous oxide abuse.
Costa Mesa Takes Action Against Recreational Nitrous Oxide Sales
Costa Mesa officials have unanimously supported a ban on recreational sales of nitrous oxide (N2O), commonly referred to as laughing gas, whippets, or NOS. This decision comes in response to alarming public health concerns, including a significant rise in police calls and arrests related to nitrous oxide use. Data indicates that from 2023 to 2024, calls for service and arrests connected to nitrous oxide increased by 125%.
Public Safety Concerns Drive Legislation
The move to implement the ban is part of a broader effort to enhance public safety in the community. Costa Mesa police have reported that nitrous oxide use is linked to 10 traffic collisions and two overdose deaths since 2020. Undercover operations in January led to the citation of two smoke shop owners for illegal sales of nitrous oxide, resulting in the confiscation of a substantial quantity of the substance—678 large cylinders and over 5,500 small N2O chargers at one location, followed by 183 large cylinders and 1,048 chargers at another.
The proposed ordinance includes harsh penalties for those found in violation, with civil fines of up to $1,000, a maximum of six months in county jail, or both. The ordinance is set to be passed at a second reading in an upcoming Costa Mesa City Council meeting.
Legitimate Uses of Nitrous Oxide Remain
The ordinance makes provisions to exempt legitimate uses of nitrous oxide, such as for medical procedures, dental treatments, and as food propellants. This distinction aims to allow appropriate applications of the substance while curbing its recreational misuse.
Regional Context and Legislative Momentum
The Costa Mesa ordinance aligns with similar legislative actions taken throughout Orange County. In February, the Orange County Board of Supervisors enacted a ban on nitrous oxide sales in unincorporated areas of the county, which also includes fines and potential jail time for violators. Following suit, the cities of Stanton and Santa Ana implemented their own bans in April and May, while cities including Irvine, Fountain Valley, and Tustin are actively considering similar regulations.
This coordinated effort aims to fill legal gaps that have previously allowed the sale of nitrous oxide for human consumption, despite state laws prohibiting such practices. Public health officials emphasize the dangers associated with nitrous oxide, particularly its potential to cause suffocation and neurological harm.
Community Education on Dangers of Nitrous Oxide
The Costa Mesa Police Department is placing a focus on educating the community regarding the dangers stemming from nitrous oxide inhalation. With the new ordinance in place, local authorities will have additional tools to combat the recreational sale and use of nitrous oxide effectively, as officials prioritize safeguarding public health.
The unanimous support for the ban reflects Costa Mesa officials’ commitment to tackling health risks associated with nitrous oxide and ensuring a safe environment for all residents, particularly children, who may be more susceptible to its dangers.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Officials Support Ban on Sales of Nitrous Oxide
- CBS News: Costa Mesa Police Seize Nitrous Oxide Canisters
- Fullerton Observer: Orange County Bans Recreational Sale of Nitrous Oxide
- Google Search: Nitrous Oxide Health Risks
- Wikipedia: Nitrous Oxide
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
