Los Angeles City Council bans nitrous oxide sales at smoke shops

The Los Angeles City Council voted 14-0 on Wednesday to approve an ordinance banning the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide by smoke shops, tobacco retailers, and cannabis retailers. The measure aims to curb the recreational use of the gas, often referred to as “laughing gas,” which has led to growing street scenes involving nitrous oxide tanks and balloons.

The ordinance includes an exemption for pre-packaged food products that utilize nitrous oxide as a propellant. Following the council's vote, the measure now moves to Mayor Karen Bass for final approval.

Councilmember Imelda Padilla, who has advocated for the policy for two years, noted that the local ban complements recent state-level actions. California state laws SB 758 and SB 936 prohibit certain retailers from selling nitrous oxide and ban flavored versions of the gas. Additionally, the City Council has requested the City Attorney’s Office to draft a separate ordinance that could expand criminal charges to include any retailer offering nitrous oxide products without a legitimate use.