Getting Dangerous Substances Out of Reach

Walk into certain vape shops across Tennessee, and you might find something unexpected on the shelves: nitrous oxide canisters. They are marketed for legitimate uses, like whipping cream. But increasingly, they are being sold to young people who inhale the gas to get high.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is not a harmless party trick. Inhaling it can cause oxygen deprivation, nerve damage, loss of consciousness, loss of motor control, and even death. Emergency rooms across the country have seen a rise in cases linked to nitrous oxide abuse. And the victims are often teenagers and young adults who do not understand the risks.

This session, I sponsored the Nitrous Oxide Abuse Prevention and Retail Sale Prohibition Act to address this growing problem.

The legislation prohibits vape shops and vape product distributors from selling nitrous oxide. It is a targeted approach. We are not banning the substance outright or going after legitimate commercial uses. We are closing a loophole that allows vape shops to profit from a product that has no business being sold alongside e-cigarettes and vaping supplies.

Violations carry civil penalties of up to $500 per product for a first offense. A second violation within twelve months results in fines of $750 to $1,000 per product and a 30-day license suspension. A third violation means fines of $1,000 to $1,500 per product and license revocation. Manufacturers who knowingly supply nitrous oxide for retail sale face penalties of $10,000 per product.

These are serious consequences, and they send a clear message: Tennessee will not tolerate businesses that put young people at risk.

I have heard from parents who had no idea their children could walk into a vape shop and buy nitrous oxide canisters. They are horrified. They should be. This is not something any parent should have to worry about.

The legislation takes effect July 1, 2026. It is a common-sense measure to keep a dangerous substance out of easy reach. And it is one more step toward protecting Tennessee's young people from harm.