NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – Tennessee politicians are one step closer to banning the retail sale of nitrous oxide products in the state.
These products are commonly known as laughing gas or whippets.
The Nitrous Oxide Abuse Prevention and Retail Sales Prohibition Act has now passed in both the House and the Senate. The bill, introduced by Rep. Fred Atchley (R-Sevierville) and Sen. Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville) would prohibit the selling or offering of nitrous oxide by retail sellers.
“Manufacturers and distributors of nitrous oxide for medical, dental, and food-related uses, such as whipped cream chargers, are exempt from the legislation,” the lawmakers said.
Nitrous oxide canisters are purchasable in smoke and vape shops, and lawmakers reiterated that the FDA warned Americans that repeatedly inhaling nitrous oxide could lead to side effects, including asphyxiation, blood clots, frostbite, paralysis and brain damage.
The bill, if signed by Gov. Bill Lee, would create a felony charge for anyone who sells or gives nitrous oxide to another person knowing it will be used for intoxication.
