Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee recommends introduction of an Ordinance amending Title 6 and Title 9 of the Riverside Municipal Code by amending Section 6.24.080 regarding other requirements and prohibitions and adding Section 9.04.225 regarding the prohibition on sale or distribution of nitrous oxide (All Wards)

The City Council is considering an ordinance to prohibit the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide (NOS), commonly known as "laughing gas," "nox," or "whippets," within the City of Riverside. This action is a response to the increasing recreational misuse and abuse of NOS, which poses significant risks to public health and safety due to its intoxicating effects and potential for serious long-term health consequences, including nerve damage and death. The ordinance aims to close loopholes in existing state law that allow for the widespread availability of NOS through retail vendors, particularly smoke shops.

Key Provisions:

• The ordinance adds Section 9.04.225 to the Riverside Municipal Code, making it unlawful for any person to sell, distribute, or offer NOS or related devices. This also amends Section 6.24.080 to prohibit NOS sales at tobacco retail establishments.
• Exceptions: The prohibition does not apply to sales for legitimate medical, dental, or pharmacy use under licensed supervision; wholesale distribution for resale in lawful applications (e.g., food production, medical supplies); sales of NOS specifically designed for vehicle performance enhancement; or when NOS is contained within a food product as a propellant.
• Enforcement: Violations are classified as misdemeanors, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense. Violations can also lead to administrative citations, revocation of tobacco retail establishment permits, and the City may seek injunctive relief and civil penalties.

Background:

• The Riverside Police Department (RPD) has documented widespread non-compliance with state laws regarding NOS sales at numerous smoke shops, with over 600 large-capacity tanks and 5,700 cartridges seized between March 2025 and January 2026.
• Many retailers continued illegal sales despite warnings and enforcement actions. Flavored NOS products and balloons were observed, designed to appeal to younger demographics.
• RPD arrests related to NOS possession and DUIs involving NOS have increased from 2 in 2023 to 26 in 2025 for possession and from 1 in 2023 to 4 in 2025 for DUI.
• The Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee unanimously recommended forwarding the ordinance to the City Council for final consideration on February 18, 2026.

Timeline:

• The ordinance will become effective on the 30th day after its adoption.