Panel approves ban on retail sale of nitrous-oxide products to minors with exemptions

Lawmakers voted unanimously to report favorably a bill that would prohibit retail sale of nitrous-oxide products to minors while preserving legitimate medical, dental and industrial uses.

The bill makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly sell nitrous oxide or nitrous-oxide products to a person under 18, with penalties of up to $100 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail. It creates civil penalties for minors who misrepresent their age to obtain products and for retailers who fail to display and store products to restrict access to under-18s. The draft requires clear labeling and safety statements and sets an effective date of Jan. 1, 2027.

Committee members discussed patterns of abuse — large canisters sold in flavored forms at vape shops and small canisters used in food preparation — and the amendment package included a technical fix to specify exempted "physician, dentist, veterinarian, hospital, clinic, or other licensed health-care facility acting within the lawful scope" rather than a generic medical exemption. Sponsors emphasized coordination with SLED and public-health authorities and a purchase limit for small consumer canister packs.

The committee adopted the technical amendment and moved the bill favorably as amended by unanimous vote.