Santiago Cruz, a junior at Bert Corona Charter High School in Pacoima, hopes to graduate alongside the classmates he grew up with, but worries that some of them may be derailed by nitrous oxide, the odorless gas that is being inhaled by young people and others as an illicit way to get high.<\/p>\n
He was among several students, supported by the San Fernando Valley Partnership, who appeared before the Los Angeles City Council last week in support of a city ban on the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide by cannabis and tobacco retailers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen products that can be misused are easy to find in our neighborhoods, a classroom lesson can only do so much,\u201d he said. \u201cReducing access is a responsibility we all need to share as a community.\u201d<\/p>\n
The City Council unanimously approved a measure to prohibit the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide by cannabis and tobacco retailers. The state Legislature passed similar legislation this year, but a key difference is that violation of the state law is an infraction punishable by a fine, while a violation of the city ordinance is a criminal misdemeanor charge, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, six months in jail, or both.<\/p>\n
Mayor Karen Bass intends to sign the ordinance, which was spearheaded by Councilmembers Imelda Padilla and Eunisses Hernandez. Once signed, it will take about a month to go into effect. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a public health and public safety issue. Nitrous oxide is dangerous, especially in the hands of kids, and far too accessible,\u201d Bass said in a statement. <\/p>\n
The city has wrestled with the challenge<\/a> of restricting the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide for years, amid a rise in deaths<\/a> linked to abuse of the gas. Usage can also lead to blood clots, asphyxiation, impaired bowel and bladder function and paralysis.<\/p>\n Los Angeles officials began discussing a ban after the city of Rialto became the first to restrict certain sales of nitrous oxide in 2017. Regulation has been a challenge because it isn\u2019t a controlled substance.<\/p>\n Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas or whippets, can be sold for culinary and automotive uses. For instance, it can be used as a food propellant for whipped cream dispensers or to boost auto engines, and is sold in canisters and tanks.<\/p>\n In August, state lawmakers passed SB 758, which prohibits retailers selling tobacco or cigarette products from selling nitrous oxide and allows for cities and counties to impose further restrictions. SB 936 restricts the sale of food flavored nitrous oxide, and punishes businesses that violate the law. The bills were signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September.<\/p>\n Padilla, who spearheaded the ordinance, said she spent the last two years working with students, community members and the city attorney\u2019s office to move the ordinance forward. Authorities have linked nitrous oxide to fatal car-related deaths, including one where an 11-year-old girl was killed<\/a>. <\/p>\n