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GOP lawmaker introduces Arizona bill to put restraints on buying nitrous oxide

Rep. Julie Willoughby (R-Chandler) in January 2025.
Gage Skidmore/CC by 2.0
Rep. Julie Willoughby (R-Chandler) in January 2025.

A new bill aims to curb the sale of nitrous oxide for recreational use in Arizona.

The FDA issued an advisory last year against inhaling laughing gas, which is being sold in smoke and vape shops under an array of product names.

Republican Rep. Julie Willoughby wants to make it a felony to use or possess these products, saying they can lead to irreversible neurological damage.

"What we're seeing is an influx in the recreational usage of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. It's being referred to as 'galaxy gas,'" Willoughby said.

There are already federal regulations banning the sale of laughing gas for human consumption. Legitimate uses include medical sedation and food preparation.

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Greg Hahne started as a news intern at KJZZ in 2020 and returned as a field correspondent in 2021. He learned his love for radio by joining Arizona State University's Blaze Radio, where he worked on the production team.