Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a pair of bills that would ban the sale of objects used for recreational nitrous oxide use. And the law hopes to curb the use of nitrous oxide as a mind-altering drug.
Local 4 was able to go into a smoke shop and buy it right off the shelves, but with this new bill that the governor signed, it won’t be possible for too much longer.
“I think it’s been available for a while and kind of been flying under the radar,” said Kyle Scarlett.
If you’ve seen the canisters all across the city, you’ve seen the aftermath of someone getting high by inhaling the nitrous oxide that’s inside.
“I’ve seen some people go a bad way with that stuff,” said Kenneth Vadnais.
With hopes of cutting down on those abusing the item that’s used for charging whipped cream, Whitmer has signed Senate Bill 57, which will prohibit the sale of the item if the seller knows it’s being used as a drug.
If anyone knows its dangers, it’s the Director of Operations for Families Against Narcotics, Dunya Barash.
“A lot of dangerous things can happen to folks, like dangerous car accidents or just like periods of blackout,” said Dunya Barash.
Barash is glad it’s at least creating some accountability for the people who sell them, knowing exactly what they will be used for.
“It does definitely cause a lot of chaos within people’s lives,” Barash said. “Making sure it’s not available for retail sale for folks to be able to be able to use in the community and for people to have access to.”
The people we spoke to were aware of the consequences of something that appears so harmless.
“It’s probably one of the worst things you can put into your body,” said Joel Gorr. “It just kills your brain cells right away.”
“I’m glad they banned it, man, we’re continuing to healthy our bodies,” said a man. “You are what you put into your body. Do not put this in your body.”
It will be interesting to see how smoke shops will get rid of their inventory regarding the canisters. Not only are they highly dangerous, but they’re also highly addictive.
