Alabama Bill Restricting Nitrous Oxide Use Passes Alabama Senate:

A bill introduced to the Alabama Senate has passed by a vote of 28-1 that would hopefully reduce recreational use of Nitrous  Oxide,amyl nitrite  and similar products in the state. The bill, SB78 was introduced by Senator April Weaver of Alabaster, and has received bi-partisan support.  Only democrat Linda Coleman Mason voted against it.

If signed into law, the bill would limit the use of the substance and products containing it to legitimate use, such as in dentist offices and food propellants. Also commonly known as laughing gas, it is used by trained medical personnel in dentist office, and in the food industry to get foods like whipped cream out of the can. When incorrectly used by being inhaled for recreational purposes it can cause a “high” by temporarily depriving the brain of oxygen. It has been marketed in cans that can easily be inhaled, called whippets, or with amyl nitrate, poppers. These products have become popular with young people and some adults to get a quick high. The problem is, is that use can be extremely dangerous. It can lead to brain damage, and in some cases even death. Shelby County has seen five recent deaths from the use of the products.

Currently there is little regulation at all on the products. They are openly sold, and easily available in some gas stations, and in vape shops across the state. A lot of parents are completely unaware of the dangers of the products, or even their existence. Weaver asks parents to be aware, pay attention, and have conversations with your children about the dangers of these products. Louisiana already has a similar ban on recreational use of the products already in place.

The bill is expected to go before a House committee on Wednesday of this week in its next step towards becoming a law.