Minn. bill to curb flavored nitrous oxide sales to consumers laid over after committee discussion

At a Minnesota House committee hearing, Representative Engen introduced House File 325, a proposal to ban direct-to-consumer sales of flavored nitrous oxide products that he said are being marketed for recreational inhalant use.

Engen told the committee he brought the bill after hearing from family members of people who used flavored nitrous oxide and said the products are being sold in retail stores and online, often with child-oriented branding. He said prolonged inhalant use can cause vitamin B12 deficiency and neurological and cardiac problems and cited published reporting he said shows a large rise in use among Generation Z.

The bill as described by Engen would prohibit retail sales of flavored nitrous oxide to consumers while preserving access for businesses that purchase the product…