Protect Oregon teenagers from nitrous oxide abuse

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The Issue

As a concerned parent of a teenager in Oregon, my worry about the easy availability of recreational nitrous oxide, specifically products like Galaxy Gas, continues to grow. It's alarming to witness how accessible these substances are to our children, despite existing state laws intended to restrict such access.

Nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas," is a substance that can be abused, leading to severe health risks such as brain damage, oxygen deprivation, and even death. Alarmingly, it is not uncommon to see social media trends glorifying and encouraging its use among teenagers, increasing the demand for these dangerous products.

Current Oregon laws prohibit the sale of certain nitrous oxide canisters to minors. However, these regulations are not stringent enough. Minors are still able to purchase these products from unscrupulous retailers or through online platforms. Without proper enforcement and additional measures, our state laws fail to provide the protection our children need.

It is crucial that Oregon legislators, law enforcement agencies, retailers, and community leaders acknowledge this gap in our protective measures and respond with urgency. We propose the following actionable solutions:

1. Strengthen enforcement of existing laws by implementing stricter penalties for retailers who knowingly sell nitrous oxide products to minors.
2. Increase public awareness campaigns in schools and communities highlighting the dangers of nitrous oxide abuse.
3. Mandate clear labeling and age-verification processes for all online and in-store nitrous oxide sales to ensure minors cannot bypass existing restrictions.
4. Encourage collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community organizations to develop educational programs targeting teen nitrous oxide abuse.

Without decisive action, the safety and health of our children remain at risk. We call upon you to protect our teens and enforce comprehensive guidelines that prevent the misuse of nitrous oxide.

Please join me in urging Oregon lawmakers and leaders to stop the easy access to recreational nitrous oxide. Sign this petition to demand stronger laws that safeguard our children against preventable harm.

The Decision Makers

Tina Kotek
Oregon Governor
Dan Rayfield
Oregon Attorney General

Petition Updates