The Costa Mesa Police Department has confiscated hundreds of large, fruit-flavored nitrous oxide cylinders and thousands of smaller chargers from local smoke shops, following a recent ban on the sale of nitrous oxide in unincorporated Orange County.
Authorities say shop owners were illegally selling nitrous oxide (Nâ‚‚O)—commonly known as “laughing gas”—for personal inhalation, a practice linked to dangerous and fatal incidents.
Why Was Nitrous Oxide Banned?
New Ordinance Passed: The Orange County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to ban the sale of nitrous oxide in unincorporated areas.
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley:
“There is no reason for a smoke shop to sell nitrous oxide. They are hoping that people will buy it to get high—that’s the only reason.”
Dangers of Nitrous Oxide Abuse
Recent Accidents Linked to Nitrous Oxide in Orange County:
- Fatal Crash in Orange: Three people died after a driver crashed into a pole and the car ignited. Officials found a nitrous oxide tank and several balloons inside the wreckage.
- Teen Driver Crashed into Fountain: In November 2024, a teenager lost control and hit a historic fountain. Police found a nitrous oxide tank in the car.
Health Risks of Nitrous Oxide Inhalation:
- Suffocates the brain, blocking oxygen flow.
- Can cause paralysis or long-term neurological damage.
- Effects are difficult to detect—no breathalyzer or standard drug test can identify N₂O use.
Foley Warns:
“We really are just learning about the long-term impacts of nitrous oxide on the human body.”
Legal vs. Illegal Use of Nitrous Oxide
Permitted Uses (Still Legal):
- Dentists’ offices (medical anesthesia).
- Auto shops (for engine performance).
- Catering businesses (whipped cream dispensers).
Now Banned in Smoke Shops & Retail Stores
