Nitrous Oxide

County Moving Forward on Nitrous Oxide Sales Restrictions 

The County of San Luis Obispo is developing a local ordinance addressing the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide for recreational use, while allowing sales for legitimate uses. The proposed ordinance would provide the County of San Luis Obispo with a local way to enforce existing state law that prohibits the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide for recreational use.  

Learn more about the health impacts of recreational use of nitrous oxide in the FDA’s health advisory. 


Proposed Ordinance 

On June 2, 2026, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to develop an ordinance addressing the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide for recreational use. Learn more about health and safety concerns, existing state law and the proposed approach and the issues considered by the County. 


 Next Steps: 

  1. Provide Input 

The County is seeking input on the proposed ordinance through September 18, 2026, before it is presented to the Board of Supervisors. Provide Feedback on Proposed Nitrous Oxide Sales Regulations.

  1. Follow important meeting dates at the Board of Supervisor 

  • Introduction of the proposed ordinance: October 20, 2026 - tentative 

  • Approval of ordinance: November 3, 2026 - tentative 

 

For Retailers 

Information affecting retailers will be posted here as the ordinance moves through the adoption process.   


Health and Substance Use Resources 

  • For additional information about the health effects of nitrous oxide visit the Behavioral Health website.  
  • If you or someone you know is in need of nitrous oxide substance use treatment, please contact the Behavioral Health Department at 1-800-838-1381 for more information on substance use disorder treatment. 


Click here to go back to the Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention Program page.