News Summary
Newport Beach has approved an ordinance banning the sale and consumption of nitrous oxide for recreational use, following increased health risks and misuse among residents. The ban aims to protect public safety, especially for youth, while still allowing medical, culinary, and industrial applications of the substance. As misuse becomes a prevalent issue in the region, local officials emphasize the need for education and awareness about the associated dangers. Similar measures are being considered in other Orange County cities, reflecting a growing commitment to address nitrous oxide misuse.
Newport Beach has become the latest city in Orange County to ban the sale and consumption of nitrous oxide for recreational use, following growing health concerns associated with the substance. The Newport Beach City Council approved the ordinance during a regular meeting on Tuesday, highlighting a rising trend in nitrous oxide misuse and associated risks.
Nitrous oxide, while widely recognized as a painkiller in healthcare settings and a culinary aid for aerating whipped cream, has increasingly been misused recreationally, often inhaled for its euphoric effects. The new ban specifically targets recreational use, but the substance will remain legal for medical, culinary, and industrial applications.
Brands commonly associated with nitrous oxide include Galaxy Gas, NITROX, and Baking Bad, with recreational use often referred to as “whippets.” Inhalation can lead to lightheadedness, euphoria, and mild hallucinations, but it also poses serious health risks such as asphyxiation and chronic conditions, including brain damage.
Support for the ordinance came from Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, who described the ban as a “critical step toward protecting our youth and preserving public safety.” Her call for similar measures in other cities has resonated across the county, with officials in Santa Ana, Stanton, and Costa Mesa also considering various forms of prohibition. A second reading for a similar ordinance in Costa Mesa is scheduled for October 21.
The need for the ban has been underscored by research indicating that nitrous oxide misuse is becoming a more pressing problem in the United States. There have been 1,240 deaths attributed to nitrous oxide poisoning from 2010 to 2023, with fatalities increasing significantly from 23 in 2010 to 156 in 2023. In January 2020, Newport Beach recorded only four arrests related to nitrous oxide, but that number surged to 34 by 2024, demonstrating an alarming increase in misuse within the community.
Local officials expressed growing concern over illegal activities involving nitrous oxide, signaling a need for proactive intervention. This sentiment stands in contrast to a previous attempt in neighboring Irvine, where a proposed local nitrous oxide ban failed with a narrow 4-3 vote, citing existing state laws that prohibit recreational use of the gas.
Importantly, the Newport Beach ordinance comes with exceptions for legitimate medical and commercial uses of nitrous oxide, allowing healthcare and culinary professionals to continue using the substance in safe and regulated environments.
Alongside the new regulations, public awareness campaigns are anticipated to educate the community about the dangers and health risks associated with nitrous oxide misuse. The emphasis on education aims to foster a safer environment and deter recreational use, particularly among younger individuals.
The swift action by Newport Beach’s city council marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against nitrous oxide misuse, reflecting a broader commitment to safeguarding public health and safety. As more cities in Orange County consider similar bans, the conversation surrounding nitrous oxide and its implications will likely continue to evolve.
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Additional Resources
- LA Times: Newport Beach Bans Nitrous Oxide Sales and Consumption
- CBS News: Hundreds of Canisters Seized
- Fullerton Observer: Orange County Bans Synthetic Kratom
- Google Search: Nitrous Oxide
- Wikipedia: Nitrous Oxide
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA 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.
