Santa Cruz County inches closer to nitrous oxide sales ban

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) - The first reading of an ordinance that would ban the sale of nitrous oxide for recreational use in the county.

This would be in unincorporated areas of the county, with over-the-counter sales for recreational use being banned. Sales of nitrous oxide, also known as "whippets" or "laughing gas," will continue to be sold for legitimate medical, industrial, culinary, or automotive purposes.

During the reading, Santa Cruz County Supervisor Kimberly De Serpa spoke about how the ordinance can protect those who misuse nitrous oxide.

"As a former school district trustee and current medical professional, I know how recreational abuse of nitrous oxide is harming youth and families," Supervisor De Serpa said. "The misuse of nitrous leads to long-term health effects and creates risks in our community. We have a responsibility to act.