SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Four deaths and a recent stream of emergency-room patients linked to nitrous oxide have prompted Sonoma County to pursue new restrictions on sales of the gas and devices used to dispense it.
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday advanced an ordinance that would restrict retail sales and distribution of nitrous oxide and nitrous oxide-dispensing devices in unincorporated areas of the county.
Sonoma County has documented four deaths since 2018 in which nitrous oxide was identified as a contributing factor. Local hospital emergency rooms treated approximately five patients each month for nitrous oxide-related problems between October and December 2025, according to preliminary county data.
"When products are being sold in ways that encourage misuse and put people's health at risk, we have a responsibility to respond," Board of Supervisors Chair Rebecca Hermosillo said in a statement announcing the proposal.
"Sonoma County is taking a targeted approach that focuses on preventing harm while preserving access for the many legitimate uses of nitrous oxide."
Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas used in medical and dental procedures, food production, automotive systems, scientific research, and industrial processes.
Non-medical inhalation can produce intoxicating effects and has been associated with neurological injury, oxygen deprivation, impaired judgment, loss of consciousness, and impaired driving.
The proposed ordinance would restrict retail sales or distribution of nitrous oxide and devices capable of dispensing or administering it.
The county would exempt certain culinary products, wholesale transactions for lawful uses, automotive systems, medical and dental uses, authorized pharmacy and wholesaler distribution, and qualifying research and development activities.
California already prohibits sales of nitrous oxide products to people under 18 and prohibits certain sales associated with unlawful inhalation.
Sonoma County conducted two rounds of retailer education in March and June about existing state requirements and encouraged businesses to comply voluntarily.
County inspections continued to find products marketed and sold in forms associated with non-medical use, however. Those products included flavored nitrous oxide, large-capacity containers, and products sold alongside inhalation accessories.
"The goal is to reinforce existing state law and keep a product clearly marketed towards youth and children off the shelves," Department of Health Services Director Nolan Sullivan said.
Sonoma County has also worked with cities and towns throughout the county to develop a coordinated regional response.
Cloverdale adopted a local restriction on nitrous oxide sales in 2018. Other Sonoma County jurisdictions have expressed support for a coordinated approach and are preparing to consider aligned ordinances after the county acts. The county is providing a model ordinance to jurisdictions interested in adopting restrictions in their communities.
If supervisors adopt the ordinance, the Department of Health Services would add nitrous oxide compliance monitoring to its existing Tobacco Retail License inspections and establish a public reporting system for suspected unlawful sales.
The ordinance would also give law enforcement additional tools to address suspected illegal sales or distribution.
The department's Public Health Division would continue prevention efforts and provide clinicians with information about prevention, screening, and early intervention. Behavioral Health programs would provide educational materials and connections to treatment and recovery services for people seeking help related to nitrous oxide misuse.
The county would also work with Zero Waste Sonoma to promote responsible disposal of nitrous oxide cartridges and canisters.
"Successful implementation will depend on clear communication with retailers, consistent expectations across jurisdictions, community education and a coordinated prevention, enforcement and treatment response," Sullivan said.
The ordinance is scheduled to return to the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 15 for a second reading. If adopted, it would take effect 30 days later.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Rohnert Park Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.