Special Notice / Hearing: None
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor David J. Canepa, District 5
Supervisor Ray Mueller, District 3
Subject: Adopt a Resolution Affirming the County's Commitment to Preventing Youth Nitrous Oxide Abuse and Directing the County Executive's Office to Have Prepared an Ordinance Banning the Sale and Distribution of Nitrous Oxide and to Explore Other Actions that Further Protect Youth from Nitrous Oxide Abuse
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution affirming the County's commitment to preventing youth nitrous oxide abuse and directing the County Executive's Office to have prepared an Ordinance banning the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide and to explore other actions that further protect youth from nitrous oxide abuse.
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BACKGROUND:
The misuse and abuse of nitrous oxide or "whippets" can cause serious and potentially life-threatening health complications that negatively impact a user's physical and psychological health. Despite the dangers of nitrous oxide abuse, recreational use has been rising rapidly among youth across the world. In 2019, a U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration survey found inhalant use among Americans aged 12 to 17 increased 2.2 percent from 2016.
In 2009, California took measures to protect the youth from the dangers of recreational nitrous oxide use by prohibiting the sale of nitrous oxide to persons under the age of 18. (Cal. Penal Code ? 381c). Nevertheless, minors still engage in recreational use of nitrous oxide at alarming rates highlighting the struggle to prevent the sale and marketing of nitrous oxide to minors.
The San Mateo County Youth Commission is responsible for identifying and advocating for concerns faced by the youth of San Mateo County. Pursuant to these duties, the Youth Commission, along with Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, has identified that the youth in San Mateo County are at ris...
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