Existing law prohibits the possession of nitrous oxide with the intent of inhaling it for specified purposes, including to cause intoxication. Existing law also prohibits the sale of nitrous oxide to any person under 18 years of age. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly dispense nitrous oxide to a person who will use it for specified prohibited purposes, if that person then causes death or great bodily injury to himself or herself or another person. Finally, existing law requires a seller of nitrous oxide to keep a record of persons who purchase nitrous oxide from it and also to provide certain written warnings to the purchaser.

This bill would prohibit a retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products, as defined, from selling, offering, or exposing for sale nitrous oxide, as specified. The bill would authorize a civil penalty to be assessed against a retailer who violates this prohibition and would require the suspension of the retailers license to engage in the sale of cigarettes or tobacco products, if the retailer possesses that license.

Existing law prohibits the possession of nitrous oxide with the intent of inhaling it for specified purposes, including to cause intoxication. Existing law also prohibits the sale of nitrous oxide to any person under 18 years of age. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly dispense nitrous oxide to a person who will use it for specified prohibited purposes, if that person then causes death or great bodily injury to himself or herself or another person. Finally, existing law requires a seller of nitrous oxide to keep a record of persons who purchase nitrous oxide from it and also to provide certain written warnings to the purchaser.

This bill would prohibit a retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products, as defined, from selling, offering, or exposing for sale nitrous oxide, as specified. The bill would authorize a civil penalty to be assessed against a retailer who violates this prohibition and would require the suspension of the retailers license to engage in the sale of cigarettes or tobacco products, if the retailer possesses that license.

Existing law prohibits the possession of nitrous oxide with the intent of inhaling it for specified purposes, including to cause intoxication. Existing law also prohibits the sale of nitrous oxide to any person under 18 years of age. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly dispense nitrous oxide to a person who will use it for specified prohibited purposes, if that person then causes death or great bodily injury to him himself or herself or another person. Finally, existing law requires a seller of nitrous oxide to keep a record of persons who purchase nitrous oxide from it and also to provide certain written warnings to the purchaser.

This bill would prohibit any a retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products, as defined, from selling, offering, or exposing for sale nitrous oxide, as specified.

By creating a new crime or infraction, this bill would create a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Existing law prohibits the possession of nitrous oxide with the intent of inhaling it for specified purposes, including to cause intoxication. Existing law also prohibits the sale of nitrous oxide to any person under 18 years of age. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly dispense nitrous oxide to a person who will use it for specified prohibited purposes, if that person then causes death or great bodily injury to him or herself or another person. Finally, existing law requires a seller of nitrous oxide to keep a record of persons who purchase nitrous oxide from it and also to provide certain written warnings to the purchaser.

This bill would prohibit any retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products, as defined, from selling, offering, or exposing for sale nitrous oxide, as specified.

By creating a new crime or infraction, this bill would create a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Date of Hearing: June 27, 2017

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS

Evan Low, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:

Author:() – As Ver:

NOTE: This bill is double-referred, and if passed by this Committee, it will be referred to the Assembly Committee on the Judiciary.

SENATE VOTE:

SUBJECT:

SUMMARY: Prohibits a retailer of tobacco or tobacco related products from selling, offering, or exposing for sale nitrous oxide. Would authorize a civil penalty against a retailer in violation of this prohibition and require the suspension of the retailer’s license to sell tobacco products if the retailer holds that license.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Defines a “tobacco store,” under the Stop Tobacco Access to Kids Enforcement Act, as a retail business that meets the following requirements: (Business and Professions Code (BPC) Section 22962(4)(A))
   
   1. Primarily sells tobacco products.
   2. Generates more than 60 percent of its gross revenues annually from the sale of tobacco products and tobacco paraphernalia.
   3. Does not permit any person under 18 years of age to be present or enter the premises at any time, unless accompanied by the person’s parent or legal guardian, as defined in Family Code Section 6903.
   4. Does not sell alcoholic beverages or food for consumption on the premises.
2. Establishes the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act, which outlines the licensing requirements on all retailers, wholesalers, and distributors of cigarettes and tobacco products, and all manufacturers and importers of cigarettes.
   (BPC Section 22970 et seq.)
3. Requires the State Board of Equalization (BOE), under the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act, to administer a statewide program to license cigarette and tobacco products manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. (BPC Section 22970.2)
4. Defines “retail location” as both any building from which cigarettes or tobacco products are sold at retail or a vending machine. (BPC Section 22971(q))
5. Prohibits selling tobacco products without a valid license and makes violations punishable as a misdemeanor. (BPC Section 22980.2; 22981)
6. Provides that possession of nitrous oxide with the intent to breathe, inhale, or ingest for the purpose of intoxication is a misdemeanor, except pursuant to legitimate dental or medical use. (Penal Code (PC) Section 381b)
7. Provides that selling, furnishing, administering, distributing, giving away, or offering to sell, furnish, administer, distribute, or give away a device, canister, tank, or receptacle containing nitrous oxide to a person under 18 years of age is a misdemeanor. (PC Section 381c)
8. Provides that it is a misdemeanor to dispense or distribute nitrous oxide to a person if the dispenser or distributor of the nitrous oxide knows or should know that the person is going to use the nitrous oxide for the purpose of intoxication, and that person proximately causes great bodily injury or death to himself, herself, or another person. (PC Section 381d)
9. Requires that a person who dispenses or distributes nitrous oxide record each transaction in a written or electronic document. (PC Section 381e)
10. Provides that the person dispensing or distributing the nitrous oxide require the purchaser to sign the document recording the transaction, provide a complete residential address, and present valid government-issued photo identification. Requires that the person dispensing or distributing the nitrous oxide sign and date the document and retain the document at the person’s business address for one year from the date of the transaction for inspection. (Penal Code Section 381e)
11. Requires that the document signed by the purchaser include all of the following:
    (PC Section 381e)
    1. That inhalation of nitrous oxide outside of a clinical setting may have dangerous health effects;
    2. That it is a violation of state law to possess nitrous oxide with the intent to breathe, inhale, or ingest it for the purpose of intoxication; and,
    3. That it is a violation of state law to knowingly distribute or dispense nitrous oxide to a person who intends to breathe, inhale, or ingest it for the purpose of intoxication.
       

THIS BILL:

1. Establishes that it is unlawful for a retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products to sell, offer, or expose for sale, any device, canister, tank, or receptacle containing nitrous oxide.
2. Does not apply to the sale of nitrous oxide as a propellant of food products.
3. Establishes that any person or business in violation of this section is subject to a civil penalty of $2500. Sets rules for where the civil penalty must be deposited with the State.
4. Requires the suspension of a license to sell tobacco products for 90 days if the person or business holds such a license.

Defines “retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products” as a retail business that meets both of the following requirements:

(a) Primarily engages in the retail sale to consumers of cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, or snuff, or any liquid containing nicotine for use in an electronic vaporizing device, or any cigarette lighters, cigar cutters, rolling papers, smoking pipes, water pipes, hookahs, electronic cigarettes or electronic vaporizing devices, or any other paraphernalia associated with the smoking or ingesting of tobacco.

(b) Generates more than 50 percent of its gross revenues annually from the sale of products described in subdivision (a).”

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, negligible state costs.

COMMENTS:

Purpose. This bill is sponsored by the author. According to the author, “In October of 2016, a constituent contacted my office when his 20-year-old son was hospitalized after using nitrous oxide, also known as 'whip-its,' which he legally purchased through a smoke shop. Intended for use in aerating homemade whipped cream, young people buy and inhale nitrous oxide gas to get high because they mistakenly believe it is a safe substance. In reality, numerous people have experienced long-lasting health problems due to nitrous oxide abuse, and the substance has been the cause of multiple recent drugged driving fatalities. There is no legitimate reason for smoke shops to sell nitrous oxide. SB 631 protects Californians by prohibiting these smoke shops and head shops from selling this dangerous substance.”

Background. Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas commonly used as a propellant for whipped cream, as an anesthetic during some medical procedures (also known as “laughing gas”), and in car racing. According to a 2007 survey by the American Dental Association, inhaled nitrous oxide was used in 70 percent of dental procedures involving sedation.

The inhalation of household products for the purpose of intoxication, especially by children and young adults, is not limited to nitrous oxide; however, unlike other household products inhaled to get high, nitrous oxide is sometimes sold in tobacco or cigarette shops alongside other regulated products.

The National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) states, “although the high that inhalants produce usually lasts just a few minutes, people often try to make it last by continuing to inhale again and again over several hours.” Short-term effects of inhalant use include slurred or distorted speech, lack of coordination, euphoria, dizziness, light-headedness, hallucinations, delusions, vomiting, headaches, and drowsiness. Long-term effects of inhalant use include liver and kidney damage, hearing loss, bone marrow damage, loss of coordination and limb spasms from nerve damage, delayed behavioral development, and brain damage from a lack of oxygen. Inhalant abuse can also cause seizures, coma, and death.

Under current law, it is unlawful to intentionally be under the influence of nitrous oxide, except as part of a legitimate medical procedure. Additionally, selling or furnishing nitrous oxide to a minor is a misdemeanor.

Prior Related Legislation. AB 1735 (Hall, Chapter 458, Statutes of 2014) made it a misdemeanor for any person to dispense or distribute nitrous oxide to a person, if it is known or should have been known that the nitrous oxide will be ingested or inhaled by the person for the purposes of causing intoxication, and that person proximately causes great bodily injury or death to himself/herself, or any other person.

AB 1015 (Torlakson, Chapter 266, Statutes of 2009) makes it a misdemeanor for a person to sell or furnish to a person under the age of 18 years a canister or device containing nitrous oxide or a chemical compound mixed with nitrous oxide.

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT:

None on file

ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION:

None on file

AMENDMENTS:

The committee recommends the following technical amendment to ensure conformity between the exemption for food product propellants and the prohibition on sale of nitrous oxide.

(b) This section does not apply to the sale, offering for sale, or exposure for sale of nitrous oxide contained in food products for use as a propellant.

REGISTERED SUPPORT:

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

REGISTERED OPPOSITION:

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Jimmy Fremgen / B. & P. / (916) 319-3301

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: SB 631

Author:

:

Vote:

SENATE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: 7-0, 3/28/17

AYES: Skinner, Anderson, Bradford, Jackson, Mitchell, Stone, Wiener

SENATE BUS., PROF. & ECON. DEV. COMMITTEE: 8-0, 4/24/17

AYES: Hill, Fuller, Galgiani, Glazer, Hernandez, Newman, Pan, Wilk

NO VOTE RECORDED: Dodd

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

SUBJECT:

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill prohibits a retailer primarily engaged in the sale of tobacco or tobacco-related products from selling, offering for sale, or exposing for sale nitrous oxide.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Provides that possession of nitrous oxide with the intent to breathe, inhale, or ingest for the purpose of intoxication is a misdemeanor. (Pen. Code § 381b.)
2. Provides that intentionally being under the influence of nitrous oxide is a misdemeanor, except pursuant to legitimate dental or medical use. (Pen. Code § 381b.)
3. Provides that selling, furnishing, administering, distributing, giving away, or offering to sell, furnish, administer, distribute, or give away a device, canister, tank, or receptacle containing nitrous oxide to a person under 18 years of age is a misdemeanor. (Pen. Code § 381c.)
4. Provides that it is a misdemeanor to dispense or distribute nitrous oxide to a person if the dispenser or distributor of the nitrous oxide knows or should know that the person is going to use the nitrous oxide for the purpose of intoxication, and that person proximately causes great bodily injury or death to himself, herself, or another person. (Pen. Code § 381d.)
5. Requires that a person who dispenses or distributes nitrous oxide record each transaction in a written or electronic document. (Pen. Code § 381e.)
6. Provides that the person dispensing or distributing the nitrous oxide require the purchaser to sign the document recording the transaction, provide a complete residential address, and present valid government-issued photo identification. (Pen. Code § 381e.)
7. Requires that the person dispensing or distributing the nitrous oxide sign and date the document recording the transaction and retain the document at the person’s business address for one year from the date of the transaction for inspection. (Pen. Code § 381e.)
8. Requires that the document signed by the purchaser include all of the following:
   1. A statement that inhalation of nitrous oxide outside of a clinical setting may have dangerous health effects.
   2. A statement that it is a violation of state law to possess nitrous oxide with the intent to breathe, inhale, or ingest it for the purpose of intoxication.
   3. A statement that it is a violation of state law to knowingly distribute or dispense nitrous oxide to a person who intends to breathe, inhale, or ingest it for the purpose of intoxication. (Pen. Code § 381e.)

This bill:

1. Makes it a misdemeanor for a retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products, as specified, to sell, offer for sale, or expose for sale any device, canister, tank, or receptacle containing nitrous oxide.
2. Defines a retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products as a business that primarily engages in the retail sale to consumers of cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, or snuff, or any liquid containing nicotine for use in an electronic vaporizing device, or any cigarette lighters, cigar cutters, rolling papers, smoking pipes, water pipes, hookahs, electronic cigarettes or electronic vaporizing device, or any other paraphernalia associated with the smoking or ingesting of tobacco.
3. Requires a court to order the suspension of the business license, for a period of up to one year, of a person who knowingly violates this section, unless the owner of the business license can demonstrate a good faith attempt to prevent illegal sales by the owner’s employees.
4. Does not apply to the sale of nitrous oxide contained in food products for use as a propellant.

Background

Nitrous oxide is a colorless and odorless to sweet-smelling inorganic gas. It has several uses, including managing pain and anxiety in dentistry, use in food preparation, and as an oxidizer in model rockets and motor vehicle racing. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), inhaled nitrous oxide-oxygen is the most widely used gaseous anesthetic in the world. A 2007 ADA survey estimated that 70% of dental practices using any form of sedation employed nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation. (See <http://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/nitrous-oxide [as of May 9, 2017].)

Household products such as solvents and aerosol sprays are commonly inhaled by young people for the purpose of intoxication. The National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) Web site states:

Inhalants are various products easily bought and found in the home or workplace—such as spray paints, markers, glues, and cleaning fluids. They contain dangerous substances that have psychoactive (mind-altering) properties when inhaled. People don’t typically think of these products as drugs because they’re not intended for getting “high,” but some people use them for that purpose. When these substances are used for getting high, they are called inhalants. Inhalants are mostly used by young kids and teens and are the only class of substance used more by younger than by older teens. 

(See <https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/inhalants [as of May 9, 2017].)

Nitrous oxide is inhaled from balloons filled with the gas. (Id.) The NIDA notes that “although the high that inhalants produce usually lasts just a few minutes, people often try to make it last by continuing to inhale again and again over several hours.” (Id.) Short-term effects of inhalant use include slurred or distorted speech, lack of coordination, euphoria, dizziness, light-headedness, hallucinations, delusions, vomiting, headaches, and drowsiness. (Id.) Long-term effects of inhalant use include liver and kidney damage, hearing loss, bone marrow damage, loss of coordination and limb spasms from nerve damage, delayed behavioral development, and brain damage from a lack of oxygen. (Id.) Inhalant abuse can also cause seizures, coma, and death. (Id.)

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) provides data on substance use, including inhalant use. The 2015 survey found that approximately 527,000 people aged 12 or older—or 0.2 percent of the population—were current users of inhalants and inhalant use was more common among adolescents aged 12 to 17. (See <https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-FFR1-2015/NSDUH-FFR1-2015/NSDUH-FFR1-2015.pdf - p. 16 [as of May 9, 2017].) The survey also found the following data regarding the percentages of people in different age groups who were current users of inhalants: 0.7 percent of adolescents, 0.4 percent of young adults aged 18 to 25, and 0.1 percent of adults aged 26 or older. (Id.)

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

SUPPORT: (Verified 5/9/17)

Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs

California Association of Code Enforcement Officers

California College and University Police Chiefs Association

California Narcotic Officers Association

California State Sheriffs’ Association

Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Los Angeles Police Protective League

Riverside Sheriffs’ Association

OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/9/17)

None received

ARGUMENT IN SUPPORT: The California Narcotic Officers Association supports this bill stating:

This bill would prohibit retailers selling tobacco and tobacco related products from also selling nitrous oxide. This product is frequently associated with illicit drug use, as it is frequently inhaled as a dangerous recreational drug. When used as a drug of abuse, the health consequences can be severe and can virtually result in the user degrading their health so badly that they are unable to even walk without assistance.

This is a good-sense bill that will protect the health and safety of Californians.

Prepared by:

5/10/17 14:21:28

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON

BUSINESS, PROFESSIONS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Senator Jerry Hill, Chair

2017 - 2018 Regular

Bill No: SB 631 Hearing Date: April 24, 2017

Subject: Nitrous oxide: retail sales

SUMMARY:

Prohibits a retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products, as defined, from selling, offering, or exposing for sale nitrous oxide.

NOTE:  This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Public Safety first, and was passed out of that Committee on March 28, 2017 by a vote of 7-0.

Existing law:

1. Defines a “tobacco store”, under the Stop Tobacco Access to Kids Enforcement Act, as a retail business that meets the following requirements: (Business and Professions Code (BPC) § 22962(4)(A))
   
   1. Primarily sells tobacco products.
   2. Generates more than 60 percent of its gross revenues annually from the sale of tobacco products and tobacco paraphernalia.
   3. Does not permit any person under 18 years of age to be present or enter the premises at any time, unless accompanied by the person’s parent or legal guardian, as defined in Family Code § 6903.
   4. Does not sell alcoholic beverages or food for consumption on the premises.
2. Establishes the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act, which outlines the licensing requirements on all retailers, wholesalers, and distributors of cigarettes and tobacco products, and all manufacturers and importers of cigarettes.
   (BPC § 22970 et seq.)
3. Requires the State Board of Equalization (BOE), under the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act, to administer a statewide program to license cigarette and tobacco products manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. (BPC § 22970.2)
4. Defines “retail location” as both any building from which cigarettes or tobacco products are sold at retail and a vending machine. (BPC § 22971(q))
5. Prohibits selling tobacco products without a valid license and makes violations punishable as a misdemeanor. (BPC § 22980.2; 22981)
6. Provides that possession of nitrous oxide with the intent to breathe, inhale, or ingest for the purpose of intoxication is a misdemeanor. (Penal Code (PC) § 381(b))
7. Provides that intentionally being under the influence of nitrous oxide is a misdemeanor, except pursuant to legitimate dental or medical use. (PC § 381(b))
8. Provides that selling, furnishing, administering, distributing, giving away, or offering to sell, furnish, administer, distribute, or give away a device, canister, tank, or receptacle containing nitrous oxide to a person under 18 years of age is a misdemeanor. (PC § 381(c))
9. Provides that it is a misdemeanor to dispense or distribute nitrous oxide to a person if the dispenser or distributor of the nitrous oxide knows or should know that the person is going to use the nitrous oxide for the purpose of intoxication, and that person proximately causes great bodily injury or death to himself, herself, or another person. (PC § 381(d))
10. Requires that a person who dispenses or distributes nitrous oxide record each transaction in a written or electronic document. (PC § 381(e))
11. Provides that the person dispensing or distributing the nitrous oxide require the purchaser to sign the document recording the transaction, provide a complete residential address, and present valid government-issued photo identification. Requires that the person dispensing or distributing the nitrous oxide sign and date the document and retain the document at the person’s business address for one year from the date of the transaction for inspection. (Penal Code § 381e)
12. Requires that the document signed by the purchaser include all of the following:
    (PC § 381 (e))
    1. That inhalation of nitrous oxide outside of a clinical setting may have dangerous health effects;
    2. That it is a violation of state law to possess nitrous oxide with the intent to breathe, inhale, or ingest it for the purpose of intoxication;
    3. That it is a violation of state law to knowingly distribute or dispense nitrous oxide to a person who intends to breathe, inhale, or ingest it for the purpose of intoxication.
       

This bill:

1. Provides that it a misdemeanor for any retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products that sells, offers for sale, or exposes for sale any device, canister, tank, or receptacle containing nitrous oxide.
2. Requires a court to order the suspension of the business license, for a period of up to one year, of a person who knowingly violates this section, unless the owner of the business license can demonstrate a good faith attempt to prevent illegal sales by the owner’s employees.
3. Provides that these provisions do not apply to the sale of nitrous oxide contained in food products for use as a propellant.
4. Defines a retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products as any business that primarily engages in the retail sale to consumers of cigarettes, cigar, little cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, or snuff, or any liquid containing nicotine for use in an electronic vaporizing device, or any cigarette lighters, cigar cutters, rolling papers, smoking pipes, water pipes, hookahs, electronic cigarettes or electronic vaporizing device, or any other paraphernalia associated with the smoking or ingesting of tobacco.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Unknown. This bill is keyed “fiscal” by Legislative Counsel.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. The Author is the sponsor of this bill. According to the Author, “In October of 2016, a constituent contacted my office upon learning that his 20-year-old son had been using nitrous oxide, also known as “whippets,” which he legally purchased through a smoke shop. The substance abuse degraded his health to the point that he is unable to walk without assistance and was confined to a wheelchair.

Although this case is the catalyst for SB 631, it is far from an isolated incident. In 2012, two brothers – Christopher and Robert Ohlander – were killed by a driver who lost control of his car while under the influence of nitrous oxide, which he had legally purchased from a Folsom smoke shop. In 2010, a 35-year-old married schoolteacher and law school student, Jason Starn, started using nitrous oxide when an employee at a Modesto head shop suggested it to him. After two months of steady use, he lost all feeling below his rib cage and suffered a seizure and spinal cord degeneration, leaving him reliant on a walker for mobilization.

Unlike the ‘laughing gas’ administered by dentists, who carefully control and monitor its use to ensure that there is a safe amount of oxygen mixed in with the gas, nitrous oxide abuse is dangerous. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, recreational use of nitrous oxide can lead to ‘death from lack of oxygen to the brain, altered perception and motor coordination, loss of sensation, limb spasms, blackouts caused by blood pressure changes, [and] depression of heart muscle functioning.’

In short, although nitrous oxide cartridges have unusual yet legitimate uses, it is unlikely that they are being purchased at smoke shops and head shops for use in making homemade whipped cream – instead, they are almost certainly being inhaled as a dangerous inhalant by individuals who are unaware of the serious risks of using this so-called ‘hippy crack.”

1. Background on Nitrous Oxide: Its Uses and Abuses. Nitrous oxide is a colorless and odorless to sweet-smelling inorganic gas. It has several uses, including managing pain and anxiety in dentistry, use in food preparation, and as an oxidizer in model rockets and motor vehicle racing. According to the American Dental Association, inhaled nitrous oxide-oxygen is the most used gaseous anesthetic in the world and a 2007 survey by the ADA estimated that 70% of dental practices using any form of sedation employed nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation.

Household products such as solvents and aerosol sprays are commonly inhaled by young people for the purpose of intoxication. The National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) website states:

Inhalants are various products easily bought and found in the home or workplace—such as spray paints, markers, glues, and cleaning fluids. They contain dangerous substances that have psychoactive (mind-altering) properties when inhaled. People don't typically think of these products as drugs because they're not intended for getting "high," but some people use them for that purpose. When these substances are used for getting high, they are called inhalants. Inhalants are mostly used by young kids and teens and are the only class of substance used more by younger than by older teens.

Nitrous oxide is inhaled from balloons filled with the gas. The NIDA notes that “although the high that inhalants produce usually lasts just a few minutes, people often try to make it last by continuing to inhale again and again over several hours.” Short-term effects of inhalant use include slurred or distorted speech, lack of coordination, euphoria, dizziness, light-headedness, hallucinations, delusions, vomiting, headaches, and drowsiness. Long-term effects of inhalant use include liver and kidney damage, hearing loss, bone marrow damage, loss of coordination and limb spasms from nerve damage, delayed behavioral development, and brain damage from a lack of oxygen. Inhalant abuse can also cause seizures, coma, and death.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) provides data on substance use, including inhalant use. The 2015 survey found that approximately 527,000 people aged 12 or older—or 0.2 percent of the population—were current users of inhalants and inhalant use was more common among adolescents aged 12 to 17. The survey also found the following data regarding the percentages of people in different age groups who were current users of inhalants: 0.7 percent of adolescents, 0.4 percent of young adults aged 18 to 25, and 0.1 percent of adults aged 26 or older.

1. Prior Related Legislation. AB 1735 (Hall, Chapter 458, Statutes of 2014) made it a misdemeanor for any person to dispense or distribute nitrous oxide to a person, if it is known or should have been known that the nitrous oxide will be ingested or inhaled by the person for the purposes of causing intoxication, and that person proximately causes great bodily injury or death to himself/herself, or any other person.

AB 1015 (Torlakson, Chapter 266, Statutes of 2009) makes it a misdemeanor for a person to sell or furnish to a person under the age of 18 years a canister or device containing nitrous oxide or a chemical compound mixed with nitrous oxide.

1. Arguments in Support. A coalition of law enforcement entities write in support underscoring that,“this bill would prohibit retailers selling tobacco and tobacco related products from also selling nitrous oxide. This product is frequently associated with illicit drug use, as it is frequently inhaled as a dangerous recreational drug. When used as a drug of abuse, the health consequences can be severe and can virtually result in the user degrading their health so badly that they are unable to even walk without assistance. This is a good-sense bill that will protect the health and safety of Californians.”

SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION:

Support:

Mary Anne Rand

The Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs

The California Association of Code Enforcement Officers

The California College and University Police Chiefs Association

The California Narcotic Officers Association

The California State Sheriffs’ Association

The Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

The Los Angeles Police Protective League

The Riverside Sherriff’s Association

Opposition:

None on file as of April 18, 2017.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY

Senator Nancy Skinner, Chair

2017 - 2018 Regular

Bill No: SB 631 Hearing Date: March 28, 2017

Subject: Nitrous Oxide: Retail Sales

HISTORY

Source: Author

Prior Legislation: AB 1735 (Hall) Chapter 458, Stats. 2014

AB 1015 (Torlakson) Chapter 266, Stats. 2009

Support: Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs; California Association of Code Enforcement Officers; California College and University Police Chiefs Association; California Narcotic Officers Association; California State Sheriffs’ Association; Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association; Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; Los Angeles Police Protective League; Riverside Sheriffs’ Association

Opposition: None known

PURPOSE

The purpose of this bill is to prohibit any retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products, as defined, from selling, offering, or exposing for sale nitrous oxide.

Existing law provides that possession of nitrous oxide with the intent to breathe, inhale, or ingest for the purpose of intoxication is a misdemeanor. (Penal Code § 381b)

Existing law provides that intentionally being under the influence of nitrous oxide is a misdemeanor, except pursuant to legitimate dental or medical use. (Penal Code § 381b)

Existing law provides that selling, furnishing, administering, distributing, giving away, or offering to sell, furnish, administer, distribute, or give away a device, canister, tank, or receptacle containing nitrous oxide to a person under 18 years of age is a misdemeanor. (Penal Code § 381c)

Existing law provides that it is a misdemeanor to dispense or distribute nitrous oxide to a person if the dispenser or distributor of the nitrous oxide knows or should know that the person is going to use the nitrous oxide for the purpose of intoxication, and that person proximately causes great bodily injury or death to himself, herself, or another person. (Penal Code § 381d)

Existing law requires that a person who dispenses or distributes nitrous oxide record each transaction in a written or electronic document. (Penal Code § 381e)

Existing law provides that the person dispensing or distributing the nitrous oxide require the purchaser to sign the document recording the transaction, provide a complete residential address, and present valid government-issued photo identification. Existing law also requires that the person dispensing or distributing the nitrous oxide sign and date the document and retain the document at the person’s business address for one year from the date of the transaction for inspection. (Penal Code § 381e)

Existing law requires that the document signed by the purchaser include all of the following:

• That inhalation of nitrous oxide outside of a clinical setting may have dangerous health effects.
• That it is a violation of state law to possess nitrous oxide with the intent to breathe, inhale, or ingest it for the purpose of intoxication.
• That it is a violation of state law to knowingly distribute or dispense nitrous oxide to a person who intends to breathe, inhale, or ingest it for the purpose of intoxication.

(Penal Code § 381e)

This bill makes it a misdemeanor for any retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products who sells, offers for sale, or exposes for sale any device, canister, tank, or receptacle containing nitrous oxide.

This bill defines a retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products as any business that engages in the retail sale to consumers of cigarettes, cigar, little cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, or snuff, or any liquid containing nicotine for use in an electronic vaporizing device, or any cigarette lighters, cigar cutters, rolling papers, smoking pipes, water pipes, hookahs, electronic cigarettes or electronic vaporizing device, or any other paraphernalia associated with the smoking or ingesting of tobacco, whether or not these products are the primary type of merchandise sold by that retailer.

This bill makes an employee of a retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products who sells or offers for sale, or is apparently in charge when any device, canister, tank, or receptacle containing nitrous oxide is exposed for sale, liable.

This bill requires a court to order the suspension of the business license, for a period of up to one year, of a person who knowingly violates this section, unless the owner of the business license can demonstrate a good faith attempt to prevent illegal sales by the owner’s employees.

This bill does not apply to the sale of nitrous oxide contained in food products for use as a propellant.

COMMENTS

1. Need for This Bill

According to the author:

In October of 2016, a constituent contacted my office upon learning that his 20-year-old son had been using nitrous oxide, also known as “whippets,” which he legally purchased through a smoke shop. The substance abuse degraded his health to the point that he is unable to walk without assistance and was confined to a wheelchair.

Although this case is the catalyst for SB 631, it is far from an isolated incident. In 2012, two brothers – Christopher and Robert Ohlander – were killed by a driver who lost control of his car while under the influence of nitrous oxide, which he had legally purchased from a Folsom smoke shop. In 2010, a 35-year-old married schoolteacher and law school student, Jason Starn, started using nitrous oxide when an employee at a Modesto head shop suggested it to him. After two months of steady use, he lost all feeling below his rib cage and suffered a seizure and spinal cord degeneration, leaving him reliant on a walker for mobilization.

Most Californians will encounter nitrous oxide at the dentist in the form of “laughing gas,” or when using pre-made whipped cream (e.g., Reddi-Wip). Nitrous oxide cartridges are also sold with the intended use of aerating homemade whipped cream. These cartridges are often purchased in smoke shops or head shops for recreational use and go by a variety of nicknames, including “whippits” and “hippy crack.” Usually, the canisters will be dispensed into a balloon, from which the nitrous oxide is inhaled.

Unlike the “laughing gas” administered by dentists, who carefully control and monitor its use to ensure that there is a safe amount of oxygen mixed in with the gas, nitrous oxide abuse is dangerous. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, recreational use of nitrous oxide can lead to “death from lack of oxygen to the brain, altered perception and motor coordination, loss of sensation, limb spasms, blackouts caused by blood pressure changes, [and] depression of heart muscle functioning.”

In short, although nitrous oxide cartridges have unusual yet legitimate uses, it is unlikely that they are being purchased at smoke shops and head shops for use in making homemade whipped cream – instead, they are almost certainly being inhaled as a dangerous inhalant by individuals who are unaware of the serious risks of using this so-called “hippy crack.”

2. Background on Nitrous Oxide: Its Uses and Abuse

Nitrous oxide is a colorless and odorless to sweet-smelling inorganic gas. It has several uses, including managing pain and anxiety in dentistry, use in food preparation, and as an oxidizer in model rockets and motor vehicle racing. According to the American Dental Association, inhaled nitrous oxide-oxygen is the most used gaseous anesthetic in the world and a 2007 survey by the ADA estimated that 70% of dental practices using any form of sedation employed nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation.^[1]

Household products such as solvents and aerosol sprays are commonly inhaled by young people for the purpose of intoxication. The National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) website^[2] states:

Inhalants are various products easily bought and found in the home or workplace—such as spray paints, markers, glues, and cleaning fluids. They contain dangerous substances that have psychoactive (mind-altering) properties when inhaled. People don't typically think of these products as drugs because they're not intended for getting "high," but some people use them for that purpose. When these substances are used for getting high, they are called inhalants. Inhalants are mostly used by young kids and teens and are the only class of substance used more by younger than by older teens. 

Nitrous oxide is inhaled from balloons filled with the gas.^[3] The NIDA notes that “although the high that inhalants produce usually lasts just a few minutes, people often try to make it last by continuing to inhale again and again over several hours.”^[4] Short-term effects of inhalant use include slurred or distorted speech, lack of coordination, euphoria, dizziness, light-headedness, hallucinations, delusions, vomiting, headaches, and drowsiness.^[5] Long-term effects of inhalant use include liver and kidney damage, hearing loss, bone marrow damage, loss of coordination and limb spasms from nerve damage, delayed behavioral development, and brain damage from a lack of oxygen.^[6] Inhalant abuse can also cause seizures, coma, and death.^[7]

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) provides data on substance use, including inhalant use. The 2015 survey^[8] found that approximately 527,000 people aged 12 or older—or 0.2 percent of the population—were current users of inhalants and inhalant use was more common among adolescents aged 12 to 17. The survey also found the following data regarding the percentages of people in different age groups who were current users of inhalants: 0.7 percent of adolescents, 0.4 percent of young adults aged 18 to 25, and 0.1 percent of adults aged 26 or older.^[9]

3. Effect of This Bill

Existing law prohibits the possession, use, and dispensation of nitrous oxide as a recreational drug. Retailers are prohibited from selling nitrous oxide to customers under the age of 18. Retailers are required to provide specified information to customers about the dangers of nitrous oxide and prohibitions on the product, and retailers must record each transaction in a written or electronic document. The purchaser must also sign the document and provide government-issued photo identification and his or her residential address.

This bill seeks to place additional limits on the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide by prohibiting retailers of tobacco and tobacco-related products from selling nitrous oxide.

4. Issues and Concerns

a. Definition of Retailer of Tobacco or Tobacco-Related Products is Overbroad

This bill defines a retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products as:

any business that engages in the retail sale to consumers of cigarettes, cigar, little cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, or snuff, or any liquid containing nicotine for use in an electronic vaporizing device, or any cigarette lighters, cigar cutters, rolling papers, smoking pipes, water pipes, hookahs, electronic cigarettes or electronic vaporizing device, or any other paraphernalia associated with the smoking or ingesting of tobacco, whether or not these products are the primary type of merchandise sold by that retailer.

This broad definition includes many types of retailers such as grocery stores and drug stores. It does not seem appropriate to prohibit retailers of food products from selling nitrous oxide given that nitrous oxide does have legitimate uses related to food preparation (e.g., homemade whipped cream). If the intent of this bill is to prohibit smoke shops and head shops from selling nitrous oxide, members may wish to consider recommending the following amendments:

• Define a retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products as “any business that primarily engages in the retail sale to consumers of cigarettes, cigar, little cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, or snuff, or any liquid containing nicotine for use in an electronic vaporizing device, or any cigarette lighters, cigar cutters, rolling papers, smoking pipes, water pipes, hookahs, electronic cigarettes or electronic vaporizing device, or any other paraphernalia associated with the smoking or ingesting of tobacco.”
• Eliminate the final clause “whether or not these products are the primary type of merchandise sold by that retailer.”

b. Employee Liability

This bill would make an employee liable for an employer’s failure to comply with the provisions in this bill. Subdivision (b) of the proposed Section 381f reads:

“An employee of a retailer of tobacco or tobacco-related products who sells or offers for sale, or is apparently in charge when any item described in subdivision (a) is exposed for sale, shall be liable under this section.”

Given the intent of this bill to prohibit retailers from selling or distributing nitrous oxide, members may address this issue by recommending an amendment eliminating this subdivision so that only the retailer, and not its employees, is liable for the retailer’s failure to comply with the provisions in this bill. If the intent is to hold both a retailer and its employees liable for selling nitrous oxide, members may wish to consider an amendment to eliminate the following clause: “or is apparently in charge when any item described in subdivision (a) is exposed for sale.” This clause is overbroad and would make an employee liable for the presence of nitrous oxide on the sales floor if he or she was “apparently in charge,” even if the employee was not actually selling or offering the product for sale.

5. Support

The Association of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs; California Association of Code Enforcement Officers; California College and University Police Chiefs Association; California Narcotic Officers Association; Riverside Sheriffs’ Association; Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association support this bill stating:

This bill would prohibit retailers selling tobacco and tobacco related products from also selling nitrous oxide. This product is frequently associated with illicit drug use, as it is frequently inhaled as a dangerous recreational drug. When used as a drug of abuse, the health consequences can be severe and can virtually result in the user degrading their health so badly that they are unable to even walk without assistance.

This is a good-sense bill that will protect the health and safety of Californians.

-- END –

1. http://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/nitrous-oxide ↑

2. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/inhalants ↑

3. Id. ↑

4. Id. ↑

5. Id. ↑

6. Id. ↑

7. Id. ↑

8. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-FFR1-2015/NSDUH-FFR1-2015/NSDUH-FFR1-2015.pdf - p. 16 ↑

9. Id. ↑