GREENFIELD — The Board of Health voted unanimously on Wednesday night to restrict the sale of nitrous oxide to just commercial purposes.
Businesses in the city will no longer be able to sell the product, also known as “laughing gas,” to consumers for retail and recreational purposes. The board has been discussing implementing some sort of ban for months as a way to cut down on the number of people using nitrous oxide for recreational purposes.
“We have seen an uptick in it being sold,” Health Director Michael Theroux said. “It does close another loophole. I think it will be helpful to keep it out of the commercial stores.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, under medical supervision, nitrous oxide can slow down the nervous system and reduce anxiety, allowing patients to remain calm during medical procedures. The product has also been used for culinary purposes in the production of whipped cream, and by some people recreationally. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises people not to inhale nitrous oxide products, which are commonly marketed in colorful canisters, both flavored and unflavored.
“Inhaling nitrous oxide can result in a range of symptoms and serious health problems, from abnormal blood counts, asphyxiation, blood clots, frostbite, headache, impaired bowel and bladder function, lightheadedness, limb weakness, loss of consciousness, numbness, palpitations, paralysis, psychiatric disturbances (delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, depression), tingling, trouble walking, vitamin B12 deficiency, and in some cases, death,” the FDA’s website states.
The agency flagged specific products sold online and in stores such as Cosmic Gas, Monster Gas and Whip-It!
Across the nation, there has been a growing push to restrict the sale of nitrous oxide products. Earlier this year, Congressman Kevin Mullin of California filed a bill, H.R. 7945, “to ban the sale of nitrous oxide consumer products.” The bill is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In the state Legislature, Sens. Paul Mark, D-Becket, and John Barrett III, D-North Adams, jointly filed a bill last year, “An Act Relative to the Sale of Nitrous Oxide” (H.5273), that would restrict the sale of nitrous oxide products to only authorized retailers and ban the sale of such products for recreational purposes. The bill also restricts the sale to those over the age of 21. The bill is under review by the House Committee on Ways and Means.
While awaiting state and federal legislation, some municipalities across the state have taken their own initiative to limit sales within their communities. In June 2025, Northampton implemented a ban on the sale of nitrous oxide products in retail establishments, with exceptions for medical and restaurant supply stores.
Theroux told the Board of Health that the Greenfield version of the ordinance was largely inspired by Northampton, and the language is much the same.
The ordinance defines nitrous oxide, as well as kitchen and medical supply stores, and bans the sale of nitrous oxide products for recreational use.
“It’s basically restricting it so there’s no retail sales,” Theroux said. “You just have to sell it to people over 21, for commercial purposes.”
Theroux said notices will be sent out to convenience stores, smoke shops and other retailers to alert them of the change.
