My perfectly healthy adult brother in his 30s nearly lost his life due to nitrous oxide use after it resulted in a sudden onset of severe neuropathy, causing him to lose the ability to walk and use his hands. When most people hear of nitrous, they immediately think about cans of whipped cream and the term ‘whippets’. What we’re prohibiting here is far more dangerous. Standard cans of whipped cream only contain approximately 8 grams of nitrous. The canisters that we want off our streets are straight nitrous. They are commonly found in vape shops and typically have over a 500 gram capacity (compared to 8). These are HUGE! Despite clearly labeled dangers, these stores promote heavy use with frequent buyer cards and even use phrases like (3,500 puffs and up), which is clearly not their intended use. Aside from the dangers to the user, there is a tremendous risk to the public as nitrous oxide influence is virtually non-detectable. In situations such as driving under the influence, the more obvious effects of nitrous usually wear off within 5-10 minutes and it generally does not stay in your system longer than one hour. I have personally witnessed nitrous oxide use cause reckless behavior, extreme changes in personality, anger, paranoia, hallucinations, and seizures. I appreciate the many delegates that have thoughtfully taken the time to strengthen the language of this bill, ensuring that this commonsense legislation keeps a very dangerous drug out of the hands of Virginians. Please vote yes for HB648.

I’m here as a parent and constituent. This issue is about consumer protection and correcting a dangerous misconception. Nitrous oxide used in medical and dental settings is administered by licensed professionals, mixed with oxygen, and carefully monitored. Culinary use involves small cartridges used properly in kitchens. But what we are seeing in Virginia is very different. Large nitrous oxide tanks — some containing up to 3,000 grams — are being sold in vape and smoke shops for recreational inhalation without oxygen or safeguards. Brands like Galaxy Gas, Baking Bad, FastGas, and ExoticWhip are widely available. Because these products are legally sold and labeled for culinary use, many consumers assume they are harmless, when in reality they are being misused and causing serious harm. In fact, Amazon and Walmart recently removed these products from retail sales on their platforms from third party sellers, amid pending litigation concerns, showing that even Major retailers recognize the risks surrounding these products. My 29-year-old son legally purchased nitrous oxide. Within a couple of months, he developed neuropathy. Within eight short months, he suffered massive blood clots in his legs and lungs and a three-centimeter clot in the right ventricle of his heart. It took many additional months for him to regain feeling in his feet. I am now hearing the same stories from families across Virginia and across the country — nerve damage, paralysis, hallucination, psychosis, blood clots, and in some cases death — from a product people never realized could be so dangerous. This legislation helps close a consumer loophole and protects Virginians from products that are misleadingly marketed and causing preventable harm. We have the opportunity to prevent more families from experiencing this tragedy. Thank you for your consideration.

Na

Please pass this bill and take these toxic products off the shelves and out of our youths hands.

On our way home from the Delegate hearing last week my son and I drove out of Richmond on Hull Street Road. There are noticeably a high density of vape shops in dis-advantaged areas of Richmond. But as you continue toward the suburbs you still see them every 5 miles. Let’s not kid ourselves……this toxic gas is available on every corner! The chair woman asked why a broader bill this year that doesn’t just include minors? Because grown adults like my son quickly became addicted with serious health issues in a short time! Like 12 other states, this product needs to be pulled from retail and only sold through permitted outlets! There are at least 1400 vape shops per Alexa but going to intestate myself. That number seems low!

Please vote YES on HB648 It is important for the committee to see visual examples of devices that are used to distribute nitrous oxide, as a common comment that has been brought up through this process is that the bill would be limiting distribution of small devices that could inadvertently distribute poisonouse gas such as cans of whipped cream. This is NOT the case at all. These devices are very large and are made for direct consumption of nitrous. Attached is an example of a couple of visuals. The first visual shows how retailers like vape shops encourage regular use with frequent buyer cards as well as warning labels from the manufacturer which directly state this should not be inhaled. The second visual shows a couple of examples of what these cansisters look like with a side by side comparison to a can of paint to put it into perspective.

I strongly support HB648 - prohibition in the State of Virginia of nitrous oxide for distribution to any person, business or organization that is not explicitly for commercial food or medical use. Severe penalties and routine checks should be mandated and implemented for those excluded from this bill. Vape shops and other similar distributors or dispensaries should be closely monitored to ensure compliance. They falsely sell under the pretense of being available for restaurant usage when in fact they market and sell to individuals for recreational usage. Too many people, especially our youth and underprivileged people, are dying or becoming gravely ill as a result. I, and my friends and family, urge our legislators who represent us in Fairfax County, to act immediately to enact legislation that will ban these dangerous products.

I nearly lost my son 6 months ago to nitrous. His use quickly escalated to an ER visit, long term neuropathy, mental health issues and suicide threats! Vape stores are distributing at will! This needs to stop. Who knows where the gas comes from and who produces the tanks. Please stop this chaos.