San Mateo County looks to ban whip-its

The commission identified that youth in the county are at risk for abusing nitrous oxide due to its sale at smoke shops around the county, and have asked supervisors for help.

At the board’s upcoming meeting Aug. 12, a resolution will be presented declaring the county’s commitment to protect youth from abusing the drug. It will also request that county staff return at a later date with a proposed ordinance to ban the sale within unin-corporated county.

“It’s extremely important,” Canepa said. “I’m proud of our youth commission, they’re driving this and that’s critically important.” 

Purchasing nitrous oxide with the intent to inhale is already considered a misdemeanor in California, but it is permitted for culinary and automotive uses. For example, whipped cream dispensers use nitrous oxide canisters, which are relatively easy to purchase. 

At smoke shops, these dispensers, or “whippets,” are often decorated with colorful designs and come in various fruity flavors — particularly alluring to a young crowd. 

Supervisor Ray Mueller noted the urgency for such a ban to pass. In unincorporated Menlo Park, Mueller has learned of one smoke shop in particular, Blazin Gifts, that has notoriously sold nitrous oxide and is located near two schools. 

“We’re addressing the issue there, but it should be in all of unincorporated county, and hopefully other areas and cities will follow,” Mueller said. 

Similar bans have recently passed, including in Orange County, which Mueller said can be a guideline for legislation.

Orange County’s ordinance states that violation of the law may result in imprisonment for up to six months and, or a $1,000 fine. Exceptions for the sale include if it is contained in a food product, for enhancement of a vehicle, for medical, pharmaceutical or dental care, or in a wholesale capacity without the intention of misuse. 

Mueller also noted the need to educate the general public about what whippets look like, how easily accessible they are and the health risks, particularly for adolescents. 

“I think there’s a lot of parents that don’t realize that these products are being proliferated and sold at the level they are right now,” Mueller said. “It’s important as we do this that we warn the public about the health risks.”