San Mateo County youth lead push to ban nitrous oxide amid rising health concerns

A nitrous oxide canister, commonly known as a “whip-it,” pictured in front of boxed products. San Mateo County Supervisors are moving to ban sales of nitrous oxide at smoke shops in unincorporated areas after youth advocates raised concerns about rising recreational misuse. AI generated image.

The youth in San Mateo County are striving to make a positive difference in their communities. Recognizing the dangers of nitrous oxide—known as laughing gas or “whip-its”—members of the San Mateo County Youth Commission collaborated with the county’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and approached county officials to enact legislation to prevent the drug’s harmful use.

Because of their efforts, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously at their meeting on Tuesday, August 12, to draft an ordinance prohibiting the sale of nitrous oxide products at smoke shops in unincorporated areas, citing growing concerns over youth abuse and public health risks. The measure was introduced by Board President David J. Canepa and co-sponsored by Supervisor Ray Mueller.

Canepa, who serves as the Board’s liaison to the Youth Commission, said: “It’s time for the county to treat the abuse of nitrous oxide as a public health risk.”

While the use of nitrous oxide can be beneficial when used appropriately, as in medical anesthesia, its misuse, such as inhaling it directly, can lead to organ and nerve damage and death.

"It's time for the county to treat the abuse of nitrous oxide as a public health risk," Canepa said. The data shows misuse and abuse of nitrous oxide or ‘whip-its’ can cause serious and potentially life-threatening health complications that negatively impact a user’s physical and psychological health.

"Despite the dangers of nitrous oxide abuse, recreational use has been rising rapidly among youth across the world, and that’s why we are addressing this with urgency. I want to acknowledge the county’s Youth Commission for bringing this very critical issue to the Board’s attention.”

A final vote by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for August 26, 2025. If the ordinance is adopted, then San Mateo County will join a growing number of government agencies banning the use of nitrous oxide for recreational purposes.

*********************

Please click on the box below and make a donation. Whatever amount you give will enable us to "Keep Community Media Alive!"