Willits Municipal Code Ch. 8.24 Sales of Nitrous Oxide

The following words and phrases as used in this section are defined as follows:

A. "Device" means any cartridge, compressed gas cylinder, apparatus, container, or other object used to contain, dispense or administer nitrous oxide.

B. "Nitrous oxide" means the colorless nonflammable gas (N20) sometimes used in aerosols and sometimes used as an anesthetic, which, when inhaled, produces loss of sensibility to pain, oftentimes preceded by exhilaration and laughter and used often as an anesthetic in dentistry. Nitrous oxide is also called, "laughing gas."

C. "Person" refers to any individual or other entity howsoever organized or constituted.

(Ord. No. 25-02, 1-22-25)

It is unlawful for any person not excepted hereafter to sell or attempt to sell, offer, distribute, or otherwise provide to any person nitrous oxide, a device to dispense or administer nitrous oxide, or any device that contains a quantity of nitrous oxide. This section shall not apply to the sale of nitrous oxide contained in food products for use as a propellant.

(Ord. No. 25-02, 1-22-25)

The following persons are excepted from the prohibitions of this chapter:

A. This section shall not apply to any person who administers nitrous oxide for the purpose of providing medical or dental care, if administered by a medical or dental practitioner licensed by this state or at the direction or under the supervision of a practitioner licensed by this state

B. This section shall not apply to the sale or distribution of nitrous oxide by a wholesaler licensed by the board of pharmacy or manufacturer classified under Code Number 325120 or 424690 of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).

(Ord. No. 25-02, 1-22-25)

Any person violating this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, may be punished by a term in the county jail or by a fine of one thousand dollars, or both.

(Ord. No. 25-02, 1-22-25)