Wiping Whippets: SF considers nitrous oxide sales ban amid reported uptick in use

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Health officials worldwide are reporting a significant increase in nitrous oxide use, particularly among young people, prompting renewed concerns about the health risks associated with the gas commonly known as laughing gas.

Nitrous oxide, which can be purchased easily and inhaled for a brief euphoric effect, has long been used both medically and recreationally.

Often referred to as "whippets" when inhaled from small canisters, the substance has been part of party culture for decades.

"Concerts, partying with my friends back in the day, doing whippets out of balloons," San Francisco resident Justice Goldman said.

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The gas was first discovered in 1772 and later used as an anesthetic. Over time, it has periodically gained popularity as a recreational drug.

Dr. Sarita Satpathy of the San Francisco Marin Medical Society said the initial effects can make the substance appealing to users.

"Initially you feel a lot of euphoria, it's called laughing gas. You feel great, you feel relaxed and people just enjoy that, but nobody truly understands the harmful effects," Satpathy said.

San Francisco Supervisor Danny Sauter is proposing a ban on the retail sale of nitrous oxide in the city. While recreational use of the gas is already illegal, it remains available for purchase through a loophole that allows adults 18 and older to buy it for food-related purposes.

Restaurants use nitrous oxide in food and beverage preparation, including making whipped cream. However, large canisters were found openly displayed for sale at several smoke shops in San Francisco, with some tanks costing as much as $150.

Sauter criticized the marketing of some nitrous oxide products.

"This is the same playbook from big tobacco, big vape, and they are not turning on this new product, that is colorful, it is called Miami Magic, Cosmic Gas and all the glitter and glamour trying to get kids hooked on this," Sauter said.

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The proposal follows enforcement efforts by authorities. Last year, San Francisco police arrested a man who allegedly possessed several large nitrous oxide tanks outside a concert.

Sauter also raised concerns about retail locations near places frequented by children, including a smoke shop across from a public library and playground.

"I don't want this in front of the kids. We're not early on this, San Jose, San Mateo, Santa Cruz have already outlawed this," Sauter said.

According to Sauter, the United Kingdom banned nitrous oxide in 2023, resulting in a 60% decline in usage among young adults.

Meanwhile, California is proposing a statewide ban on large canisters and flavored nitrous oxide products.

Medical professionals warn that misuse can have serious consequences. Satpathy said inhaling nitrous oxide interferes with the body's ability to use vitamin B12, potentially leading to nerve damage.

"Some of the really big neurological problems besides the numbness and partial seizures you feel and this is all the B12 deficiency basically being deactivated, it affects your spinal cord," Satpathy said.

In some cases, the effects can result in paralysis.

If approved, Sauter's legislation would continue to allow legitimate uses of nitrous oxide, including medical, culinary, automotive and industrial applications.

"Food use, culinary use, automotive use, some of the more industrial uses where the big tanks are there for that legitimate use, that will still be allowed but we're targeting corner stores, gas stations, smoke shops," Sauter said.

If the measure is approved by the full Board of Supervisors, nitrous oxide products would be removed from affected store shelves in the fall.