HUNTINGTON BEACH CIVIC CENTER (Orange County Tribune photo).

Restrictions on the sale of nitrous oxide within the city limits of Huntington Beach may soon be law.

On Tuesday, the council voted 5-0 – with two members absent – to direct the city manager and city attorney to prepare an ordinance regulating the sale and distribution of the gas.

Nitrous oxide –widely known as “laughing gas” – can be used as an anesthetic in medical and dental procedures to reduce pain and anxiety.

However it can become a dangerous drug. Used recreationally it can cause serious life-threatening ailments such as low blood pressure, fainting, heart failure and nerve damage.

Chronic use can lead to the development of depression, psychosis, memory loss, numbness and a weakened immune system.
The ordinance – proposed by councilmembers Gracey Van Der Mark, Butch Twining and Don Kennedy – will come back to the council later for initial approval and final passage.

In April the Stanton City Council approved an ordinance regulating the sale of the substance. within city limits.