Effective as of Saturday, July 5, the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” for recreational use is prohibited in the City of Arcata under Ordinance No. 1579.
Nitrous oxide is a gas commonly sold in canisters for legitimate uses such as in cooking, cake decorating and performance boosting in automobiles. However, it is possible to abuse the gas as an intoxicating drug and medical authorities have linked its misuse to serious health problems and even death. Unfortunately, abuse of nitrous oxide among youth has increased at an alarming rate.
Despite state level regulations, there are loopholes that allow the distribution of nitrous oxide without meaningful oversight. The Arcata City Council unanimously passed Ordinance No. 1579 at their meeting on June 4, regulating the sale of nitrous oxide canisters within the City to address the growing health and safety concerns of the community related to this gas. Arcata businesses can no longer distribute nitrous oxide except for when it is contained in a food product, being administered for medical or dental care, being distributed by a pharmacy or being distributed by a wholesaler licensed by the Board of Pharmacy or manufacturers with certain specifications.
Notices of this ordinance and its rules have been sent to relevant businesses in Arcata to inform them of the new restrictions. Enforcement will include routine inspections of stores to ensure nitrous oxide is not being sold. In accordance with Section 1200 of the Arcata Municipal Code, violators of this ordinance are guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished by up to six months in jail, a fine of $1,000 or both.
The City of Arcata and the Arcata City Council take the health and safety of residents seriously. For more information, please visit cityofarcata.org or call the City Manager’s Office (707) 822-5953.