HomeMy WebLinkAbout _ 9.1(d)--Accept Report and Provide Direction Regarding Nitrous Oxide Use GI �" Y C� F
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REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING DATE: November 18, 2025 FROM: Jason Gibilisco, Management
ITEM NO. 9.1(d) Assistant to the City Manager
***APPROVED BY***
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jgibilisco@cityofredding.org sbade@cityofredding.org
SUBJECT: 9.1(d)--Consider report and provide direction to staff regarding recreational use of
Nitrous Oxide within the Cit of Reddin .
Recommendation
Accept the report on nitrous oxide use and provide direction to staff regarding next steps.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact with accepting the report.
Alternative Action
The City Council(Council) could choose not to accept the report.
Background/Analysis
On November 19, 2024, local Redding Neurologist Karen Garnaas, MD, presented information
related to the health issues associated with the overuse of Nitrous Oxide (NO) to the Council.
The presentation noted that there has been a rise in the recreational use of NO, sometimes
referred to as "laughing gas" or "Whippits," and are being sold in single sizes from 8-gram
cartridges to 2.2 liter cannisters. When NO is inhaled it temporarily depletes vitamin B 12,
leading to severe health issues which include brain damage, spinal card degeneration, weakness,
numbness, balance problems, and reduced oxygen levels.
From Dr. Garnaas' November 19, 2024 report, she noted that in the last eight weeks, she has
seen seven hospitalizations with vitamin B 12 deficiency linked to NO from individuals ranging
in age from 22 to 38. She reported that five of those patients' spinal cord seans demonstrated
spinal cord degeneration and that other cases are occurring throughout the community, hospitals,
and emergency rooms, with increased use nationwide.
Report to Redding City Council November 13,2025
Re: 9.1(a')--Accept Report and Provide Direction Regarding Nitrous Oxide Use Page 2
On that same evening during Council's item 12, the Council directed staff to work with the
Shasta County Health Department to find out more about NO use and return to the Council �or a
future discussion.
Staff reached out to Dr. James Mu, Shasta County Health Officer, regarding the use of NO in the
community. He reported that Shasta County does not track or have data on NO use. Dr. Mu.
stated that the medical community and other counties are experiencing increased NO induced
myeloneuropathy- disorder that affects both the spinal cord and peripheral nerves.
NO has been historically used in the inedical and dental �elds as a mild sedative. It is fast acting
and wears off quickly making it an ideal sedation option for short procedures. NO is also used in
the culinary field giving whipped cream its fluffy texture. NO is sold in smoke shops,
convenience stores and online platforms. It is often packaged in colorful and youth-appealing
designs. Cali�ornia Penal Code §381b makes it illegal (lnisdemeanor) to possess or be under the
influence of NO for recreational purposes. However, it does not restrict its sale to be used as a
culinary propellent.
Jurisdictions throughout California have created ordinances regulating the sale of NO being sold
to individuals for recreational use. Some of the Cities and Counties include Newport Beach, City
of Rialto, Humboldt County, City of Arcata, City of Ferndale, City of Eureka, and City of
Oxnard. Jurisdictions have implemented exemptions for wholesalers, medical professionals, and
for vehicle performance.
If the Council would like to provide staff with specific direction on pursuing additional research
or bringing back a potential ordinance, staff can work with the City Attorney's Office and report
back to Council at a later date.
Envir�onmental Review
This is not a project defined under the California Environmental Quality Act, and no further
action is required.
Council Priority/City ManageN Goals
� This is a routine operational item.