# Nitrous oxide sales regulation efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nitrous-oxide-sales-regulation-efforts
> Updated: 2026-10-22T18:30:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Governments in different regions are implementing measures to restrict the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide to curb recreational use.

In Los Angeles, the City Council voted 14-0 to approve an ordinance banning the sale and distribution of the gas by smoke shops, tobacco retailers, and cannabis retailers. The measure, which moves to the Mayor for final approval, includes exemptions for pre-packaged food products using the gas as a propellant. The local ban is intended to complement existing California state laws.

In the Australian Capital Territory, the government has agreed to regulatory changes to restrict the supply of nitrous oxide to minors. These reforms follow a coroner’s inquest into a fatal motor vehicle accident involving an impaired driver. The proposed actions include prohibiting non-therapeutic supply to those under 18 and developing a database to track emergency service presentations related to the gas.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: ACT government to restrict nitrous oxide sales to minors

Following a coroner's report into a fatal accident involving an 18-year-old, the ACT government will move to ban the sale of nitrous oxide to minors and increase public awareness of its dangers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/act-government-to-restrict-nitrous-oxide-sales-to-minors

### 2026-10-07: Los Angeles City Council bans nitrous oxide sales at smoke shops

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to ban the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide by smoke and tobacco retailers to combat recreational use.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-city-council-bans-nitrous-oxide-sales-at-smoke-shops

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Cite as: Nitrous oxide sales regulation efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nitrous-oxide-sales-regulation-efforts