OLYMPIA, WA – Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson on Tuesday signed legislation banning the retail sale of nitrous oxide products in Washington.

The measure targets products commonly known as “whippets” or marketed under names such as Galaxy Gas. The law includes exemptions for medical, dental, culinary and automotive uses.

According to Senator Drew Hansen, the bill was introduced at the request of the Suquamish Tribe.

Hansen said colorful and flashy marketing of nitrous oxide products has contributed to increased use among younger people, drawing comparisons to past tactics used in the tobacco industry.

Data cited by Hansen indicates the number of annual deaths associated with nitrous oxide misuse in the United States increased nearly 600% from 2010 to 2023, based on a 2025 study. Another analysis found emergency medical visits related to misuse in Michigan rose four to five times between 2019 and 2023.

Hansen said he became aware of the issue after being contacted by the Suquamish Tribe and later heard from students about the availability and risks of the product. He said one University of Washington student reported that nitrous oxide could be delivered to dorm rooms, while another described a classmate who was paralyzed after inhaling the substance.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning last year stating that intentional misuse of nitrous oxide can lead to serious health effects, including blood clots, difficulty walking, vitamin B12 deficiency and, in some cases, death.

The new law makes Washington one of several states to adopt restrictions on the sale of nitrous oxide products for recreational use.