Oregon bill mandates ID checks for online nitrous oxide purchases

The Senate Committee on Labor and Business convened on April 10, 2025, to discuss legislation aimed at regulating the online sale of nitrous oxide. The primary focus of the meeting was a bill that would require age verification for online purchases of nitrous oxide, similar to current regulations for alcohol delivery.

The discussion began with concerns about the accessibility of nitrous oxide to minors. One committee member highlighted the ease with which teenagers can purchase nitrous oxide online without any form of age verification, noting that this poses significant health risks. The member emphasized the dangers of inhaling nitrous oxide, which can lead to serious health issues, including potential death.

The bill under consideration seeks to implement a requirement for online retailers to card customers at the point of delivery, ensuring that only individuals over the age of 18 can receive nitrous oxide. This change aims to curb the misuse of nitrous oxide, particularly in forms that are commonly abused, such as whipped cream canisters and aerosol products.

Several committee members expressed their support for the bill, acknowledging the need for stricter regulations. However, there was also a discussion about whether the age limit should be raised to 21, similar to alcohol regulations. Some members raised concerns about the implications of such a change, particularly for young adults who may need access to nitrous oxide for legitimate purposes, such as culinary uses or automotive applications.

The committee also touched on the broader context of substance abuse among youth, referencing historical changes in legislation regarding age limits for various substances. Members reflected on the effectiveness of raising the drinking age to 21 in reducing alcohol-related incidents and considered whether similar measures could be beneficial for nitrous oxide.

In conclusion, the committee agreed on the necessity of the bill to enhance age verification for online nitrous oxide sales. Further discussions were anticipated regarding the alignment of regulations for various inhalants and the potential for a comprehensive review of age restrictions across related products. The committee plans to continue exploring these issues in future sessions, aiming to strike a balance between public health concerns and the needs of legitimate users.