THE SAN MATEO COUNTY Board of Supervisors took steps toward banning the sale of nitrous oxide during its regular meeting in Redwood City. 

“It’s time for the county to treat the abuse of nitrous oxide as a public health risk,” said Board President David Canepa during the Tuesday meeting.

Nitrous oxide, also referred to as “whip-its” and “laughing gas,” is an inhalant that can be used recreationally to produce a short-lived high. It can be found in whipped cream canisters and is also used medically as an anesthetic. 

While state and federal law makes it illegal to ingest, possess, or sell nitrous oxide for recreational use, it is still being sold to adults.  

According to research studies, “whip-its” have become an increasingly popular substance used by teenagers and young adults. 

“Despite the dangers of nitrous oxide abuse, recreational use had been rising rapidly among youth across the world and that’s why we’re addressing this with urgency,” Canepa said  at the meeting. 

The abuse of nitrous oxide has also been linked to “serious adverse health events,” such as  neurological damage, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

“The data shows misuse and abuse of nitrous oxide or ‘whip-its’ can cause serious and potentially life-threatening health complications,” Canepa said.  

On Tuesday, the Board unanimously agreed to draft an ordinance banning the sale of nitrous oxide in unincorporated parts of the county. 

It also passed a resolution affirming the county’s commitment to preventing the abuse of nitrous oxide among its youth, which was cosponsored by Canepa and Supervisor Ray Mueller. 

The issue of young people misusing nitrous oxide was raised by the county’s Youth Commission, which is responsible for identifying and advocating for concerns facing young people. 

The commission suggested to the Board that “whip-its” are widely available at smoke shops around the county, and are potentially being sold to minors without age verification. 

“I want to acknowledge the county’s Youth Commission for bringing this very critical issue to the Board’s attention,” Canepa said at the meeting. 

In March, Orange County became the first county in the state to ban the sale of nitrous oxide for recreational use. Several local governments have also adopted similar ordinances, highlighting the issue’s expansion in recent years.

The ordinance will go before the Board for a vote at its Aug. 26 meeting. 

Alise Maripuu is an intern at BCN with a focus on covering the Peninsula. Originally from San Carlos, Alise discovered her passion for journalism after studying abroad in Thailand during her senior year attending UC Santa Cruz. Her experience in Thailand taught her the consequences for democracy when living in a society with strict laws against free speech. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history, Alise took courses in journalism at Skyline Community College to learn how to write for news. As the Chief Copy Editor on Skyline’s student-run newspaper for the 2023-24 school year, Alise gained editing and managing experience leading a team of reporters. She covered hyperlocal stories affecting her campus such as the rise in food and housing insecurity. Alise wants to focus on data journalism.