Senate approves ban on retail sales of nitrous oxide with exceptions for medical and culinary uses

The Tennessee Senate approved SB 18‑43 on third and final consideration, adopting a committee amendment that broadens the bill’s enforcement provisions and clarifies exemptions for legitimate medical and culinary uses.

Sponsor Senator Briggs told the Senate the bill bans retail sales of nitrous oxide (often sold as recreational products under names like “Galaxy Gas” or “High Fives”) while preserving its legitimate uses in dentistry and food service: “This bill does nothing to affect those two legitimate uses,” Briggs said. He described harms associated with recreational use — including brain damage and neurological injuries — and said the measure authorizes enforcement to shut down illicit sales.

The Senate adopted the judiciary committee’s amendment adding a criminal penalty scheme and then voted to pass the bill. The clerk recorded Ayes 31, one Nay. Supporters noted the bill targets retail sellers of product intended for intoxication and does not affect medical or culinary supply chains.

Per the transcript, the bill’s enforcement framework will authorize agencies to pursue vendors and allow for criminal penalties in cases of sales intended to cause intoxication; specific statutory citations for enforcement were addressed in committee amendment language.