Laughing gas ban advances in Congress

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce voted unanimously 36-0 to advance the Nitrous Oxide Safety Act, which would ban retail sales of nitrous oxide to consumers.

“I want to be clear that I don't take bans of any kind lightly. We should be sure that a product's benefit to society is outweighed by its harm.”

Nitrous oxide sold widely to consumers

Nitrous oxide is legally used in medical and dental offices, but retailers including vape shops, tobacco stores, and online sellers are selling large tanks directly to consumers for recreational use.

Deaths and injuries linked to recreational use

Investigative reporting has documented deaths and injuries from people inhaling nitrous oxide as a recreational drug, prompting the push for a consumer sales ban.

Parents mobilize for legislative action

Over 40 parents affected by nitrous addiction visited Capitol Hill two weeks before the committee vote as part of an Advocacy Day organized by People Against Nitrous Oxide, founded by Julia Charleston whose son died by suicide after struggling with addiction.

“At a time when our country is more divided than ever, it's such a beautiful moment in history to see both sides of the aisle come together in unity for a lifesaving bill.”

Bill gains bipartisan support and momentum

Since the parents' Capitol Hill visit, the bill has gained 19 bipartisan cosponsors. Rep. Kevin Mullin, the bill's sponsor, called the unanimous vote a testament to families' hard work and determination.

Senate takes different approach to regulation

A separate Senate bill would ban flavored nitrous canisters and youth-directed marketing while giving the FDA more oversight, rather than implementing a full retail ban like the House proposal.