Orland Park adopts ordinance banning retail sale and recreational use of nitrous oxide after family testimony

The Orland Park Village Board on July 20 voted to adopt an ordinance that prohibits the retail sale, possession and recreational use of nitrous oxide in the village while specifying exemptions for legitimate uses.

Kelly Concrete, who identified herself as a long-time resident and parent, and her husband described a family member’s addiction to nitrous oxide and said heavy use led to hospitalization and long-term neurological effects. "We are here not only as parents, but as 28 year members of this community and want to bring attention to a serious and growing problem, the abuse of nitrous oxide," Kelly Concrete said during public comment. She urged the board to support the manager’s proposed ordinance.

Trustees and public-safety staff described recent enforcement actions, including a store sting that temporarily closed one seller, and discussed how some vape and tobacco shops had exploited a regulatory loophole by retailing nitrous oxide for recreational use. Board members said the ordinance would allow enforcement while preserving legitimate access for medical and commercial uses.

The ordinance explicitly exempts licensed food-service establishments, medical and dental uses, and commercial or industrial scientific entities. The ordinance will prohibit sales in vape shops, tobacco shops, convenience stores, gas stations and similar retailers when the product is offered for recreational use.

Trustee Lawler and others thanked the Conrads for coming forward and asked staff and police to provide outreach in schools and on social media about the new restriction. The board adopted the ordinance on a roll-call vote.

Next steps: Police and code enforcement officers said they will continue outreach to retailers and schools and will report enforcement updates to the board.