INTRODUCTION
Recreational nitrous oxide (also known as NO, N2O or whippets) use is a significant health and wellness concern in Humboldt County. Many local community members and families have reported being adversely impacted by harmful use of recreational nitrous oxide products that are available in the retail environment. In the 2021, "Your Thoughts on Substance Use in Humboldt County" survey, young people and community members highlighted that nitrous oxide misuse and litter should be a priority area for Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS)-Public Health's substance use prevention work. Throughout this report, discussion of recreational use is separate and distinct from appropriate medical, dental and pharmaceutical use of nitrous oxide.
The chemical abbreviation for nitrous oxide is N2O, but we will refer to nitrous oxide as NO throughout this analysis.
In January 2024, the Humboldt County Board of
Supervisors directed DH HS-Public Health staff to
address retail sales of recreational nitrous oxide
through education and policy approaches. While for
years there had not been conclusive data clearly
articulating the significant short-term and long-term
harms of nitrous oxide, two Supervisors, Michelle
Bushnell and Mike Wilson, saw it firsthand in the
communities they represent. They reached out to
DH HS-Public Health to work together on this
emerging health concern. The DHHS-Public Health
Substance Use Prevention (SUP) program staff
stepped into a lead role coordinating this work for
Public Health.
Nitrous oxide "whippet"
canister litter found at the
mouth of the Van Duzen River
near Alton.
Conducting environmental prevention activities is a critical function of Public Health Departments and substance use prevention programs providing primary prevention services. The goal of these activities is to do upstream work to prevent or mitigate negative health outcomes and to work alongside the community to address social norms around substance use that are harmful to young people and families and/ or impact everyone in the community.
A WATERSHED MOMENT
In May 2024, a fatal pedestrian collision involving a
driver under the influence of recreational nitrous oxide occurred in the City of Eureka, Humboldt's county seat.
The accident occurred at Ninth and I streets, near the
historic Old Town Eureka neighborhood and within
walking distance to the county Courthouse and many
other county facilities including the main DHHS-Public
Health Branch. Multiple local families were involved,
including the driver who admitted to using NO
products before driving (Lost Coast Outpost, 2024).
This watershed moment prompted the City of Eureka
to draft a model Nitrous Oxide Ordinance and rally
other cities to adopt an ordinance, so there would be
a unified approach and outright ban of NO sales
throughout Humboldt County.
In collaboration with partners, SUP landed on
addressing the ongoing issues with recreational nitrous oxide through a two-pronged environmental
prevention approach: a landscape analysis and policy
development. First, a comprehensive and countywide
retail landscape analysis of where recreational nitrous oxide products are being sold in Humboldt was
conducted. Second, policy campaigns to support
local jurisdictions to draft and enact recreational
nitrous oxide retail sale ordinances were led,
leveraging the data collected in the landscape
analysis.
LOCAL & NATIONAL DATA
Photo courtesy of: Lost Coast
Outpost; July 8, 2024
Retai I Landscape
Analysis Defined:
A retail landscape analysis is an
environmental prevention
strategy to engage prevention
workers to assess and evaluate
the presence of alcohol and
other drugs in retail environments
through field work, store
observations, data collection
and analysis.
There is no known beneficial use of recreational nitrous oxide, especially for young people. A recent research study published in "The Lancet" showed that youth as young as 14 years old can have sustained neurological damage due to recreational nitrous oxide use (Zaloum et al., 2025).
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (2025) describes that long-term adverse consequences from excessive recreational nitrous oxide can include: memory loss, Vitamin B12 depletion, brain and nerve damage, lack of judgement and safety awareness, depression, psychosis and dependence or addiction. If a large amount of recreational nitrous oxide is used in one sitting, it can lead to a drop in blood pressure and fainting. For more information about the effects of recreational nitrous oxide use, visit Nitrous oxide - Alcohol and Drug Foundation
A WATERSHED MOMENT
In May 2024, a fatal pedestrian collision involving a
driver under the influence of recreational nitrous oxide occurred in the City of Eureka, Humboldt's county seat.
The accident occurred at Ninth and I streets, near the
historic Old Town Eureka neighborhood and within
walking distance to the county Courthouse and many
other county facilities including the main DHHS-Public
Health Branch. Multiple local families were involved,
including the driver who admitted to using NO
products before driving (Lost Coast Outpost, 2024).
This watershed moment prompted the City of Eureka
to draft a model Nitrous Oxide Ordinance and rally
other cities to adopt an ordinance, so there would be
a unified approach and outright ban of NO sales
throughout Humboldt County.
In collaboration with partners, SUP landed on
addressing the ongoing issues with recreational nitrous oxide through a two-pronged environmental
prevention approach: a landscape analysis and policy
development. First, a comprehensive and countywide
retail landscape analysis of where recreational nitrous oxide products are being sold in Humboldt was
conducted. Second, policy campaigns to support
local jurisdictions to draft and enact recreational
nitrous oxide retail sale ordinances were led,
leveraging the data collected in the landscape
analysis.
LOCAL & NATIONAL DATA
Photo courtesy of: Lost Coast
Outpost; July 8, 2024
Retai I Landscape
Analysis Defined:
A retail landscape analysis is an
environmental prevention
strategy to engage prevention
workers to assess and evaluate
the presence of alcohol and
other drugs in retail environments
through field work, store
observations, data collection
and analysis.
There is no known beneficial use of recreational nitrous oxide, especially for young people. A recent research study published in "The Lancet" showed that youth as young as 14 years old can have sustained neurological damage due to recreational nitrous oxide use (Zaloum et al., 2025).
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (2025) describes that long-term adverse consequences from excessive recreational nitrous oxide can include: memory loss, Vitamin B12 depletion, brain and nerve damage, lack of judgement and safety awareness, depression, psychosis and dependence or addiction. If a large amount of recreational nitrous oxide is used in one sitting, it can lead to a drop in blood pressure and fainting. For more information about the effects of recreational nitrous oxide use, visit Nitrous oxide - Alcohol and Drug Foundation
A WATERSHED MOMENT
In May 2024, a fatal pedestrian collision involving a
driver under the influence of recreational nitrous oxide occurred in the City of Eureka, Humboldt's county seat.
The accident occurred at Ninth and I streets, near the
historic Old Town Eureka neighborhood and within
walking distance to the county Courthouse and many
other county facilities including the main DHHS-Public
Health Branch. Multiple local families were involved,
including the driver who admitted to using NO
products before driving (Lost Coast Outpost, 2024).
This watershed moment prompted the City of Eureka
to draft a model Nitrous Oxide Ordinance and rally
other cities to adopt an ordinance, so there would be
a unified approach and outright ban of NO sales
throughout Humboldt County.
In collaboration with partners, SUP landed on
addressing the ongoing issues with recreational nitrous oxide through a two-pronged environmental
prevention approach: a landscape analysis and policy
development. First, a comprehensive and countywide
retail landscape analysis of where recreational nitrous oxide products are being sold in Humboldt was
conducted. Second, policy campaigns to support
local jurisdictions to draft and enact recreational
nitrous oxide retail sale ordinances were led,
leveraging the data collected in the landscape
analysis.
LOCAL & NATIONAL DATA
Photo courtesy of: Lost Coast
Outpost; July 8, 2024
Retai I Landscape
Analysis Defined:
A retail landscape analysis is an
environmental prevention
strategy to engage prevention
workers to assess and evaluate
the presence of alcohol and
other drugs in retail environments
through field work, store
observations, data collection
and analysis.
There is no known beneficial use of recreational nitrous oxide, especially for young people. A recent research study published in "The Lancet" showed that youth as young as 14 years old can have sustained neurological damage due to recreational nitrous oxide use (Zaloum et al., 2025).
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (2025) describes that long-term adverse consequences from excessive recreational nitrous oxide can include: memory loss, Vitamin B12 depletion, brain and nerve damage, lack of judgement and safety awareness, depression, psychosis and dependence or addiction. If a large amount of recreational nitrous oxide is used in one sitting, it can lead to a drop in blood pressure and fainting. For more information about the effects of recreational nitrous oxide use, visit Nitrous oxide - Alcohol and Drug Foundation
LOCAL & NATIONAL DATA CONTINUED
According to the 2021-2023 California
Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) Humboldt
County Secondary Report, 4% of
Grade 7 and Grade 11 students
reported that they have already used
inhalants (California Department of
Education, 2023).
Anecdotally, local substance use
disorder treatment providers in the
Humboldt County's Adolescent
Treatment Program have heard that
local youth will use several "hits" of
recreational nitrous oxide in one
sitting, typically in a group.
In Humboldt, it is possible for community
members to purchase recreational nitrous
oxide products in a residential
neighborhood. This mini watermelon nitrous
oxide canister was found in a local
neighborhood.
Local data related to adult recreational nitrous oxide use is difficult to collect. Nitrous oxide leaves the body quickly and it is hard to accurately test if someone experiencing substance use disorder or visiting a local emergency room department for harmful substance use is using recreational nitrous oxide. Locally, our substance use disorder death data shows Humboldt has experienced one reported death related to nitrous oxide use each year since 2021.
PROJECT Tl MELINE
In June 2024, DHHS-Public Health's Substance Use Prevention program was awarded funding from the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Substance Use Block Grant (SUBG) Primary Prevention Services grant, which originates with the federal government's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), to work on recreational nitrous oxide education and prevention activities throughout Humboldt County from 2024-2028.
DHHS-Public Health's Nicotine and Tobacco Prevention (NTP) program utilized its Department of Justice (DOJ) funding to partner with SUP. Both DH HS-Public Health programs collaborated with community partners from October 2024-April 2025 to conduct a comprehensive retail landscape analysis of where recreational nitrous oxide products were being sold. In total, 144 retail outlets were visited throughout Humboldt County. NTP completed education at 105 (73%) retail outlets. Retail observations were conducted as follows:
Summary of Retail Observations:
• October 2024: 22 retail outlets in unincorporated
Humboldt including McKinleyville (12), Garberville (5), Redway ( 4) and Piercy (1).
• November 2024: 18 retail outlets in unincorporated
Humboldt including Eureka ( 6 ), Loleta (1) Miranda (1), Myers Flat (1), Scotia (1), Orick (2), Arcata (1),
Garberville (2), Redway (1), City of Arcata (1) and City of Eureka (1).
• December 2024: 20 retail outlets in unincorporated
Humboldt including Willow Creek (4), Blue Lake (1),
McKinleyville (1), Eureka ( 6 ), Fields Landing (1),
Carlotta (1), Bridgeville (1), Hydesville (1), Honeydew (2) and Whitehorn/Shelter Cove (2).
• January 2025: 21 retail outlets in City of Arcata (19) and City of Trinidad (2).
• February 2025: 60 retail outlets in City of Eureka (35), City of Fortuna (17), City of Ferndale ( 4) and City of Rio Dell ( 4).
• March 2025: 2 retail outlets in City of Ferndale.
• April 2025: l retail outlet in unincorporated Eureka. • Total retail observations from October 2024-April
2025=144.
Key partners from the Health & Social Policy Institute-Communities Addressing Nicotine (HASPI-CAN) collaborated with DHHS-Public Health to complete observations in locations throughout the Eel River Valley from Rio Dell to Ferndale. The Eureka Police Department (EPD) provided an invaluable staff escort for the more difficult observations in City of Eureka.
Additionally, DH HS-Public Health would like to thank the following community partners and agencies for their support:
• Incorporated City Managers
• Humboldt County Sheriff's Office
• Rio Dell Police Department
• Fortuna Police Department
• Humboldt Waste Management Authority
• DHHS-Public Health's Division of Environmental Health Summary of Retail Observations:
• October 2024: 22 retail outlets in unincorporated
Humboldt including McKinleyville (12), Garberville (5), Redway (4) and Piercy (1).
• November 2024: 18 retail outlets in unincorporated
Humboldt including Eureka (6), Loleta (1) Miranda (1),
Myers Flat (1), Scotia (1), Orick (2), Arcata (1),
Garberville (2), Redway (1), City of Arcata (1) and City of Eureka (1).
• December 2024: 20 retail outlets in unincorporated
Humboldt including Willow Creek (4), Blue Lake (1),
McKinleyville (1), Eureka (6), Fields Landing (1),
Carlotta (1), Bridgeville (1), Hydesville (1), Honeydew (2) and Whitehorn/Shelter Cove (2).
• January 2025: 21 retail outlets in City of Arcata (19) and City of Trinidad (2).
• February 2025: 60 retail outlets in City of Eureka (35), City of Fortuna (17), City of Ferndale (4) and City of
Rio Dell (4).
• March 2025: 2 retail outlets in City of Ferndale.
• April 2025: 1 retail outlet in unincorporated Eureka. • Total retail observations from October 2024-April
2025-144.
Key partners from the Health & Social Policy Institute-Communities Addressing Nicotine (HASPI-CAN) collaborated with DHHS-Public Health to complete observations in locations throughout the Eel River Valley from Rio Dell to Ferndale. The Eureka Police Department (EPD) provided an invaluable staff escort for the more difficult observations in City of Eureka.
Additionally, DHHS-Public Health would like to thank the following community partners and agencies for their support:
• Incorporated City Managers
• Humboldt County Sheriff's Office
• Rio Dell Police Department
• Fortuna Police Department
• Humboldt Waste Management Authority
• DHHS-Public Health's Division of Environmental Health
SCOPE OF RETAIL OBSERVATIONS
The retaiI observations were focused primarily on
commercial tobacco and vaping outlets,
including smoke shops, but were expanded to
include independent retaiI outlets (also known as
"fringe stores"). Independent retaiI outlets
included sex shops, glass blower studios, private
social clubs, nontraditional tobacco retailers,
home goods stores, chef supply stores, cannabis
industry supply stores and variety or general
stores. The list of independent retaiI outlets was
expanded if program staff received anecdotal
evidence from retailers or community members
that locations needed to be added to the
itinerary of observations.
The retaiI observations were not conducted at
cannabis dispensaries and tattoo shops because
there was not any anecdotal evidence from
partners or community members that recreational
nitrous oxide might be sold at these venues in
Humboldt County. Nitrous oxide products may be
available at tattoo shops in the greater North
Coast region, but they are not currently known to
be selling these products in Humboldt.
Smoke Shop Defined:
Smoke shops are licensed specialty
stores that dedicate the majority of
their retail space to products
related to smoking, vaping and
tobacco. They offer a variety of
smoking-related products and
paraphernalia, including cigarettes,
cigars, hookahs, vapes and
accessories. They also frequently
offer a variety of unregulated
psychoactive substances such as NO
or Kratom and related
paraphernalia.
Tobacco Retailer Defined:
Tobacco retailers are shops, such as
gas stations, corner markets and
grocery stores, that also sell a
variety of tobacco and nicotine
products, such as cigarettes or
vapes. Tobacco is just one of many
products sold at these retail outlets.
It is not the main focus of the retail
space, and products may be limited.
All of these outlets will have the
valid local and state licenses to sell
tobacco products.
The retail observations were also not conducted in Humboldt's tribal areas, because Tribes are sovereign nations and do not fall under the jurisdiction of Humboldt County DHHS-Public Health. DHHS-Public Health and HASPI-CAN are supporting Humboldt's tribal communities in the ongoing policy work related to regulating recreational nitrous oxide sales as it is requested. For example, DH HS-Public Health and HASPI-CAN were invited to present their work on the NO retail landscape analysis to the United Indian Health Services (UIHS) Board of Directors in April 2025.
DHHS-Public Health conducted "located in plain sight" observations. Each retail outlet was scanned to see if there were recreational nitrous oxide products openly displayed on shelves, floors, walls, display cases or any other location that is visible to customers.
Back rooms, closed d rowers, stock rooms, locked cabinets or any spaces in the retai I outlets that are only accessible to retailers and their staff were not included in the retail landscape analysis.
The DHHS-Public Health team only disclosed the retail observations in 34 retail outlets in unincorporated Humboldt, one outlet in City of Fortuna and one outlet in the City of Arcata. The retailers in unincorporated Humboldt are under the jurisdiction of the countywide Tobacco Retail Licensing (TRL) ordinance. They have established relationships with the Nicotine and Tobacco Prevention Health Education Specialist who has visited these outlets several times previously to provide education about the TRL and other local, state and federal tobacco control laws.
One retailer expressed that they would not sell NO because they are located close to a high school campus and would not want any of the students to be exposed to recreational nitrous oxide products while shopping in their store. A retailer in the City of Arcata initiated a conversation with DH HS-Public Health staff about a smoke shop near the Arcata Plaza that they believed was selling flavored tobacco and NO. HASPICAN has previously conducted several rounds of retailer education in the Eel River Valley. They have an established and open relationship with one retailer in the City of Fortuna and could disclose the observation to them. These retailers have been very helpful allies to the retail observations and have provided useful anecdotal information to guide the work. Overall, retailers to whom observations were disclosed expressed that they support this work and recognize recreational NO as a harmful product in the community.
A main priority for the retail observations
was staff safety, which is why "located in
plain sight" and mostly undisclosed
observations were conducted. The majority
of the observations were done by DHHSPublic Health and HASPI-CAN staff without law enforcement support. A notable
exception was an invaluable ride-along
from EPD in the City of Eureka when some of
the more difficult retailers were visited.
Staff disclosed the nitrous oxide
observations at
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34 of the 144 retail
outlets the team visited (24%).
DHHS-Public Health conducted "located in plain sight" observations. Each retail outlet was scanned to see if there were recreational nitrous oxide products openly displayed on shelves, floors, walls, display cases or any other location that is visible to customers.
Back rooms, closed d rowers, stock rooms, locked cabinets or any spaces in the retai I outlets that are only accessible to retailers and their staff were not included in the retail landscape analysis.
The DHHS-Public Health team only disclosed the retail observations in 34 retail outlets in unincorporated Humboldt, one outlet in City of Fortuna and one outlet in the City of Arcata. The retailers in unincorporated Humboldt are under the jurisdiction of the countywide Tobacco Retail Licensing (TRL) ordinance. They have established relationships with the Nicotine and Tobacco Prevention Health Education Specialist who has visited these outlets several times previously to provide education about the TRL and other local, state and federal tobacco control laws.
One retailer expressed that they would not sell NO because they are located close to a high school campus and would not want any of the students to be exposed to recreational nitrous oxide products while shopping in their store. A retailer in the City of Arcata initiated a conversation with DH HS-Public Health staff about a smoke shop near the Arcata Plaza that they believed was selling flavored tobacco and NO. HASPICAN has previously conducted several rounds of retailer education in the Eel River Valley. They have an established and open relationship with one retailer in the City of Fortuna and could disclose the observation to them. These retailers have been very helpful allies to the retail observations and have provided useful anecdotal information to guide the work. Overall, retailers to whom observations were disclosed expressed that they support this work and recognize recreational NO as a harmful product in the community.
A main priority for the retail observations
was staff safety, which is why "located in
plain sight" and mostly undisclosed
observations were conducted. The majority
of the observations were done by DHHSPublic Health and HASPI-CAN staff without law enforcement support. A notable
exception was an invaluable ride-along
from EPD in the City of Eureka when some of
the more difficult retailers were visited.
Staff disclosed the nitrous oxide
observations at
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34 of the 144 retail
outlets the team visited (24%).
DHHS-Public Health conducted "located in plain sight" observations. Each retail outlet was scanned to see if there were recreational nitrous oxide products openly displayed on shelves, floors, walls, display cases or any other location that is visible to customers.
Back rooms, closed d rowers, stock rooms, locked cabinets or any spaces in the retai I outlets that are only accessible to retailers and their staff were not included in the retail landscape analysis.
The DHHS-Public Health team only disclosed the retail observations in 34 retail outlets in unincorporated Humboldt, one outlet in City of Fortuna and one outlet in the City of Arcata. The retailers in unincorporated Humboldt are under the jurisdiction of the countywide Tobacco Retail Licensing (TRL) ordinance. They have established relationships with the Nicotine and Tobacco Prevention Health Education Specialist who has visited these outlets several times previously to provide education about the TRL and other local, state and federal tobacco control laws.
One retailer expressed that they would not sell NO because they are located close to a high school campus and would not want any of the students to be exposed to recreational nitrous oxide products while shopping in their store. A retailer in the City of Arcata initiated a conversation with DHHS-Public Health staff about a smoke shop near the Arcata Plaza that they believed was selling flavored tobacco and NO. HASPICAN has previously conducted several rounds of retailer education in the Eel River Valley. They have an established and open relationship with one retailer in the City of Fortuna and could disclose the observation to them. These retailers have been very helpful allies to the retail observations and have provided useful anecdotal information to guide the work. Overall, retailers to whom observations were disclosed expressed that they support this work and recognize recreational NO as a harmful product in the community.
A main priority for the retail observations
was staff safety, which is why "located in
plain sight" and mostly undisclosed
observations were conducted. The majority
of the observations were done by DHHSPublic Health and HASPI-CAN staff without law enforcement support. A notable
exception was an invaluable ride-along
from EPD in the City of Eureka when some of
the more difficult retailers were visited.
Staff disclosed the nitrous oxide
observations at 34 of the 144 retail
outlets the team visited (24%).
OBSERVATION TIMELINE
,.
' ' ' ' ' ,-
NOVEMBER
18 Retailers
Eureka Incorporated
Arcata Incorporated
Unincorporated
Humboldt
DECEMBER
20 Retailers
Unincorporated
Humboldt
JANUARY
20 Retailers
Arcata Incorporated
Trinidad Incorporated
FEBRUARY
61 Retailers
Eureka Incorporated
Fortuna Incorporated
Ferndale Incorporated
Rio Dell Incorporated
MARCH/APRIL
3 Retailers
Ferndale Incorporated
Eureka Unincorporated
Public Health and HASPI-CAN completed 144 retail observations from October 2024-April 2025. This work included observations in unincorporated and incorporated Humboldt County and did not include observations on tribal lands.
OCTOBER
22 Retailers
Unincorporated
Humboldt
RETAIL LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS
Humboldt County Overall: 24 Retail Outlets
A wide variety of recreational nitrous oxide products and paraphernalia located in plain sight were found at 24 retail outlets. This included products and paraphernalia at 18 smoke shops, three independent retail outlets, one corner market in a residential neighborhood, one culinary supply and one home goods store.
83.3%
Staff observed nitrous oxide products in
plain sight at 24 of 144 retail outlets.
18 retail outlets had crackers, canisters
and tanks. 5 of the outlets only had
crackers and canisters. l only had
canisters.
Unincorporated Humboldt County, City of Trinidad, City of Blue Lake: 7 Retail Outlets
The team visited 58 retailers in unincorporated Humboldt County and two retailers in the City of Trinidad. The City of Trinidad is included in this section because they are also under the jurisdiction of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office (HCSO). There weren't visible NO products found at the two tobacco retailers in City of Trinidad, nor was there any anecdotal evidence that observations at any of their other retail outlets were needed. The City of Blue Lake is also under the jurisdiction of HCSO. They do not have any tobacco retailers within city limits and there was not any anecdotal evidence that any of their other retail outlets should be visited.
In contrast, throughout the unincorporated areas of Humboldt County, DH HS-Public Health found a wide variety of NO products and paraphernalia in plain sight at seven smoke shops, non-traditional tobacco retail sites and independent retail outlets. This list also includes US Store CHEF'STORE located on the safety corridor between Eureka and Arcata that sells nitrous oxide products intended for culinary use that are only sold to individuals who have a business license. Their management team estimates that requiring a business license to purchase NO products and increasing the price of their NO products ensures that at least 95% of their NO sales are used for their intended culinary purpose.
RETAIL LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS
Humboldt County Overall: 24 Retail Outlets
A wide variety of recreational nitrous oxide products and paraphernalia located in plain sight were found at 24 retail outlets. This included products and paraphernalia at 18 smoke shops, three independent retail outlets, one corner market in a residential neighborhood, one culinary supply and one home goods store.
83.3%
Staff observed nitrous oxide products in
plain sight at 24 of 144 retail outlets.
18 retail outlets had crackers, canisters
and tanks. 5 of the outlets only had
crackers and canisters. l only had
canisters.
Unincorporated Humboldt County, City of Trinidad, City of Blue Lake: 7 Retail Outlets
The team visited 58 retailers in unincorporated Humboldt County and two retailers in the City of Trinidad. The City of Trinidad is included in this section because they are also under the jurisdiction of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office (HCSO). There weren't visible NO products found at the two tobacco retailers in City of Trinidad, nor was there any anecdotal evidence that observations at any of their other retail outlets were needed. The City of Blue Lake is also under the jurisdiction of HCSO. They do not have any tobacco retailers within city limits and there was not any anecdotal evidence that any of their other retail outlets should be visited.
In contrast, throughout the unincorporated areas of Humboldt County, DH HS-Public Health found a wide variety of NO products and paraphernalia in plain sight at seven smoke shops, non-traditional tobacco retail sites and independent retail outlets. This list also includes US Store CHEF'STORE located on the safety corridor between Eureka and Arcata that sells nitrous oxide products intended for culinary use that are only sold to individuals who have a business license. Their management team estimates that requiring a business license to purchase NO products and increasing the price of their NO products ensures that at least 95% of their NO sales are used for their intended culinary purpose.
RETAIL LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS
Humboldt County Overall: 24 Retail Outlets
A wide variety of recreational nitrous oxide products and paraphernalia located in plain sight were found at 24 retail outlets. This included products and paraphernalia at 18 smoke shops, three independent retail outlets, one corner market in a residential neighborhood, one culinary supply and one home goods store.
83.3%
Staff observed nitrous oxide products in
plain sight at 24 of 144 retail outlets.
18 retail outlets had crackers, canisters
and tanks. 5 of the outlets only had
crackers and canisters. l only had
canisters.
Unincorporated Humboldt County, City of Trinidad, City of Blue Lake: 7 Retail Outlets
The team visited 58 retailers in unincorporated Humboldt County and two retailers in the City of Trinidad. The City of Trinidad is included in this section because they are also under the jurisdiction of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office (HCSO). There weren't visible NO products found at the two tobacco retailers in City of Trinidad, nor was there any anecdotal evidence that observations at any of their other retail outlets were needed. The City of Blue Lake is also under the jurisdiction of HCSO. They do not have any tobacco retailers within city limits and there was not any anecdotal evidence that any of their other retail outlets should be visited.
In contrast, throughout the unincorporated areas of Humboldt County, DH HS-Public Health found a wide variety of NO products and paraphernalia in plain sight at seven smoke shops, non-traditional tobacco retail sites and independent retail outlets. This list also includes US Store CHEF'STORE located on the safety corridor between Eureka and Arcata that sells nitrous oxide products intended for culinary use that are only sold to individuals who have a business license. Their management team estimates that requiring a business license to purchase NO products and increasing the price of their NO products ensures that at least 95% of their NO sales are used for their intended culinary purpose.
RETAIL LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS
Humboldt County Overall: 24 Retail Outlets
A wide variety of recreational nitrous oxide products and paraphernalia located in plain sight were found at 24 retail outlets. This included products and paraphernalia at 18 smoke shops, three independent retail outlets, one corner market in a residential neighborhood, one culinary supply and one home goods store.
83.30/o
Staff observed nitrous oxide products in
plain sight at 24 of 144 retail outlets.
18 retail outlets had crackers, canisters
and tanks. 5 of the outlets only had
crackers and canisters. l only had
canisters.
Unincorporated Humboldt County, City of Trinidad, City of Blue Lake: 7 Retail Outlets
The team visited 58 retailers in unincorporated Humboldt County and two retailers in the City of Trinidad. The City of Trinidad is included in this section because they are also under the jurisdiction of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office (HCSO). There weren't visible NO products found at the two tobacco retailers in City of Trinidad, nor was there any anecdotal evidence that observations at any of their other retail outlets were needed. The City of Blue Lake is also under the jurisdiction of HCSO. They do not have any tobacco retailers within city limits and there was not any anecdotal evidence that any of their other retail outlets should be visited.
In contrast, throughout the unincorporated areas of Humboldt County, DHHS-Public Health found a wide variety of NO products and paraphernalia in plain sight at seven smoke shops, non-traditional tobacco retail sites and independent retail outlets. This list also includes US Store CHEF'STORE located on the safety corridor between Eureka and Arcata that sells nitrous oxide products intended for culinary use that are only sold to individuals who have a business license. Their management team estimates that requiring a business license to purchase NO products and increasing the price of their NO products ensures that at least 95% of their NO sales are used for their intended culinary purpose.
DHHS-Public Health observed cases of "Whip-it" canisters ( also referred to as chargers), other types of canisters or chargers, crackers, NO tanks in various sizes and boxed kits of canisters/chargers and crackers. "Whip-It," "Cream Charger," "Exotic Whip" and "Breaking Bad" brand NO products were available.
Location Type of Retail Outlet Products Observed
McKinleyville Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks McKinleyville Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks Ind pendent ( Glass blower
McKinleyville studio) All canisters, crackers, tanks Non-traditional tobacco retailer
Garberville Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Garberville Variety Store Canisters and crackers
Willow Creek Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Unincorporated area Whip-It brand crackers and small boxed between Eureka and Culinary/Chef Store Arcata cases of canisters
Eel River Valley (ERV): 4 Retail Outlets
DHHS-Public Health visited two retailers in Ferndale and one retailer in Scotia. DHHSPublic Health's partners from HASPI-CAN visited 25 retail outlets in Ferndale, Fortuna, and Rio Dell. A wide variety of NO products and paraphernalia located in plain sight were found at three smoke shops in Fortuna and one home goods store in Ferndale.
DHHS-Public Health and HASPI-CAN observed cases of "Whip-it" canisters, other canisters, crackers, NO tanks in various sizes and boxed kits of canisters and crackers.
NO brand products including "Whi p-lt," "Cream Charger," "Galaxy Gas," "Baking Bad," "Creative Whip" and "Breaking Bad" were found. There is an additional retail outlet in Rio Dell which community members and other retailers have disclosed may be selling nitrous products out of plain sight.
Nitrous oxide was observed at smoke shops and was not available in plain sight at other retail establishments, with the exception of a home goods store in Ferndale. The Ferndale store had a "Creative Whip" cracker and canister set, as well as replacement canisters on display behind the counter, presumably intended for home-based culinary use. A notable finding from these observations in the ERV is that recreational nitrous oxide sales were only observed in plain sight within the City of Fortuna (with the exception of Ferndale's home store). Anecdotally, community members have shared that residents from other jurisdictions in the ERV travel to the outlets in Fortuna to purchase nitrous oxide products.
Location Type of Retail Outlet Products Observed
Fortuna Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Fortuna Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Fortuna Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Ferndale Home Goods Packed charger and canister kit
Box of replacement canisters
Eel River Valley (ERV): 4 Retail Outlets
DHHS-Public Health visited two retailers in Ferndale and one retailer in Scotia. DHHSPublic Health's partners from HASPI-CAN visited 25 retail outlets in Ferndale, Fortuna, and Rio Dell. A wide variety of NO products and paraphernalia located in plain sight were found at three smoke shops in Fortuna and one home goods store in Ferndale.
DHHS-Public Health and HASPI-CAN observed cases of "Whip-it" canisters, other canisters, crackers, NO tanks in various sizes and boxed kits of canisters and crackers.
NO brand products including "Whip-It," "Cream Charger," "Galaxy Gas," "Baking Bad," "Creative Whip" and "Breaking Bad" were found. There is an additional retail outlet in Rio Dell which community members and other retailers have disclosed may be selling nitrous products out of plain sight.
Nitrous oxide was observed at smoke shops and was not available in plain sight at other retail establishments, with the exception of a home goods store in Ferndale. The Ferndale store had a "Creative Whip" cracker and canister set, as well as replacement canisters on display behind the counter, presumably intended for home-based culinary use. A notable finding from these observations in the ERV is that recreational nitrous oxide sales were only observed in plain sight within the City of Fortuna (with the exception of Ferndale's home store). Anecdotally, community members have shared that residents from other jurisdictions in the ERV travel to the outlets in Fortuna to purchase nitrous oxide products.
Location Type of Retail Outlet Products Observed
Fortuna Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Fortuna Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Fortuna Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Ferndale Home Goods Packed charger and canister kit
Box of replacement canisters
12.5%
Feedstores -
Stores/Convienience Stores -
Pharmacies -
e Observed NO Products
e No NO Observed
Home Goods - -1 -
87.5%
4 out of 28 retail outlets had recreational
nitrous oxide products in plain sight.
Smokeshops
Liquor Stores
Gas Stations
Markets/Supermarkets
Humboldt Bay Area: 13 Retail Outlets
=== ::::...... _ _ _
0 2 4 6
DHHS-Public Health visited 58 retail outlets throughout the Humboldt Bay Region, 8 which included the incorporated areas of Eureka and Arcata. Retail observations were conducted at 56 outlets; one outlet was closed for the season and one outlet had closed after a fire. DHHS-Public Health found a wide variety of NO products and paraphernalia located in plain sight at 10 smoke shops, two independent retail outlets and one neighborhood corner market in the City of Eureka. The independent outlets in Arcata include a glass blowing retailer located within easy walking distance to the Arcata Plaza and a sex shop located in close proximity to Cal Poly Humboldt and campus apartments. Of note, there are three retail outlets within walking distance of the Arcata Plaza selling NO. In the City of Eureka, a corner market in a mostly residential neighborhood, had recreational nitrous oxide products behind the counter and visible to patrons in a back room.
Retail outlets in both jurisdictions had creative and easily visible ways of displaying the nitrous oxide products, including glass cases on the counter and product packaging attached to the wall behind the cash register. Products observed included cases of "Whip-it" canisters, other canisters, crackers, NO tanks in various sizes and boxed kits of canisters and crackers. Public Health staff encountered "Whip-It," "Cream Charger" and "Master Whip" brand NO products.
Due to safety concerns, the team did not disclose the observations to the outlets in either jurisdiction, with the exception of one retailer in Arcata who openly expressed frustration about recreational nitrous oxide product sales near their store. Given additional safety considerations in Eureka, the team conducted those observations with support from EPD.
12.5%
Feedstores -
Stores/Convienience Stores -
Pharmacies -
e Observed NO Products
e No NO Observed
Home Goods - -1 -
87.5%
4 out of 28 retail outlets had recreational
nitrous oxide products in plain sight.
Smokeshops
Liquor Stores
Gas Stations
Markets/Supermarkets
Humboldt Bay Area: 13 Retail Outlets
=== ::::...... _ _ _
0 2 4 6
DHHS-Public Health visited 58 retail outlets throughout the Humboldt Bay Region, 8 which included the incorporated areas of Eureka and Arcata. Retail observations were conducted at 56 outlets; one outlet was closed for the season and one outlet had closed after a fire. DHHS-Public Health found a wide variety of NO products and paraphernalia located in plain sight at 10 smoke shops, two independent retail outlets and one neighborhood corner market in the City of Eureka. The independent outlets in Arcata include a glass blowing retailer located within easy walking distance to the Arcata Plaza and a sex shop located in close proximity to Cal Poly Humboldt and campus apartments. Of note, there are three retail outlets within walking distance of the Arcata Plaza selling NO. In the City of Eureka, a corner market in a mostly residential neighborhood, had recreational nitrous oxide products behind the counter and visible to patrons in a back room.
Retail outlets in both jurisdictions had creative and easily visible ways of displaying the nitrous oxide products, including glass cases on the counter and product packaging attached to the wall behind the cash register. Products observed included cases of "Whip-it" canisters, other canisters, crackers, NO tanks in various sizes and boxed kits of canisters and crackers. Public Health staff encountered "Whip-It," "Cream Charger" and "Master Whip" brand NO products.
Due to safety concerns, the team did not disclose the observations to the outlets in either jurisdiction, with the exception of one retailer in Arcata who openly expressed frustration about recreational nitrous oxide product sales near their store. Given additional safety considerations in Eureka, the team conducted those observations with support from EPD.
12.5% • Observed NO Products
Feedstores [
Stores/Convienience Stores [
Pharmacies -
• No NO Observed
Home Goods [[1
Smokeshops•i
87.5%
4 out of 28 retail outlets had recreational
nitrous oxide products in plain sight.
Liquor Stores
Gas Stations
Markets/Supermarkets
Humboldt Bay Area: 13 Retail Outlets
0 2 4 6
DHHS-Public Health visited 58 retail outlets throughout the Humboldt Bay Region, 8 which included the incorporated areas of Eureka and Arcata. Retail observations were conducted at 56 outlets; one outlet was closed for the season and one outlet had closed after a fire. DHHS-Public Health found a wide variety of NO products and paraphernalia located in plain sight at 10 smoke shops, two independent retail outlets and one neighborhood corner market in the City of Eureka. The independent outlets in Arcata include a glass blowing retailer located within easy walking distance to the Arcata Plaza and a sex shop located in close proximity to Cal Poly Humboldt and campus apartments. Of note, there are three retail outlets within walking distance of the Arcata Plaza selling NO. In the City of Eureka, a corner market in a mostly residential neighborhood, had recreational nitrous oxide products behind the counter and visible to patrons in a back room.
Retail outlets in both jurisdictions had creative and easily visible ways of displaying the nitrous oxide products, including glass cases on the counter and product packaging attached to the wall behind the cash register. Products observed included cases of "Whip-it" canisters, other canisters, crackers, NO tanks in various sizes and boxed kits of canisters and crackers. Public Health staff encountered "Whip-It," "Cream Charger" and "Master Whip" brand NO products.
Due to safety concerns, the team did not disclose the observations to the outlets in either jurisdiction, with the exception of one retailer in Arcata who openly expressed frustration about recreational nitrous oxide product sales near their store. Given additional safety considerations in Eureka, the team conducted those observations with support from EPD.
Location Type of Retail Outlet Products Observed
Arcata Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Arcata Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Arcata Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
lndpendent (Glass Blower
Arcata Studio) Canisters and chargers Non-traditional tobacco retail outlet
Arcata Independent (Sex Shop) All canisters, crackers, tanks Eureka Neighborhood corner All canisters, crackers, tanks market Eureka Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Eureka Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Eureka Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Eureka Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Eureka Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Eureka Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Eureka Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Location Type of Retail Outlet Products Observed
Arcata Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Arcata Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Arcata Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Indpendent (Glass Blower
Arcata Studio) Canisters and chargers Non-traditional tobacco retail outlet
Arcata Independent (Sex Shop) All canisters, crackers, tanks Eureka Neighborhood corner All canisters, crackers, tanks market Eureka Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Eureka Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Eureka Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Eureka Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Eureka Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Eureka Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
Eureka Smoke Shop All canisters, crackers, tanks
NITROUS OXIDE PRODUCTS IN THE HUMBOLDT BAY AREA
8.60/o
13 out of 58 retail outlets had
recreational nitrous oxide
products in plain sight.
7.6% of the stores
with NO only had
crackers and
canisters.
Store/Convience Store
Pharmacy
Independent
Liquor
Smokeshops
Market/ Su perm ark et
Gas Stations
0 e Observed NO Products
e No NO Observed
5 lO 15
84.6% of the stores with NO products
had crackers, canisters and tanks. Independent retail outlets include glass blowers, sex shops, private clubs and a variety of non-traditional tobacco retailers.
KEY FINDINGS
• Recreational nitrous oxide products are readily available and located in plain sight in 20 most jurisdictions in Humboldt County, with the exception of Trinidad, Blue Lake, Hydesville, Carlotta, Dinsmore, Myers Flat, Miranda, Piercy, Redway, Rio Dell and Scotia. • The majority of retail outlets that sell recreational nitrous oxide products are smoke shops. • Unlike other jurisdictions on the North Coast, recreational nitrous oxide products were not observed at gas stations or tattoo shops.
• Fringe stores selling nitrous oxide products included one neighborhood corner market in a residential area, one glass blowing shop and one sex shop. • Throughout Humboldt County, recreational nitrous oxide products are available in close proximity to school sites and other youth-serving organizations. • The retail outlets selling nitrous oxide also have a variety of flavored nicotine and tobacco products on their shelves.
• The community, including retailers, have anecdotally shared that other retailers are Ii kely selling NO in back rooms or behind closed doors.
• Throughout Humboldt County, there are retail outlets with a wide variety of unregulated psychoactive products containing Kratom, psilocybin, stimulants and male-enhancing compounds. There are also a wide variety of flavored and unflavored CBD products. These products are found throughout the retail landscape and are not limited to the retail outlets that also sell nitrous oxide products.
NITROUS OXIDE PRODUCTS IN THE HUMBOLDT BAY AREA
8.60/o
13 out of 58 retail outlets had
recreational nitrous oxide
products in plain sight.
7.6% of the stores
with NO only had
crackers and
canisters.
Store/Convience Store
Pharmacy
Independent
Liquor
Smokeshops
Market/ Su perm ark et
Gas Stations
0 e Observed NO Products
e No NO Observed
5 lO 15
84.6% of the stores with NO products
had crackers, canisters and tanks. Independent retail outlets include glass blowers, sex shops, private clubs and a variety of non-traditional tobacco retailers.
KEY FINDINGS
• Recreational nitrous oxide products are readily available and located in plain sight in 20 most jurisdictions in Humboldt County, with the exception of Trinidad, Blue Lake, Hydesville, Carlotta, Dinsmore, Myers Flat, Miranda, Piercy, Redway, Rio Dell and Scotia. • The majority of retail outlets that sell recreational nitrous oxide products are smoke shops. • Unlike other jurisdictions on the North Coast, recreational nitrous oxide products were not observed at gas stations or tattoo shops.
• Fringe stores selling nitrous oxide products included one neighborhood corner market in a residential area, one glass blowing shop and one sex shop. • Throughout Humboldt County, recreational nitrous oxide products are available in close proximity to school sites and other youth-serving organizations. • The retail outlets selling nitrous oxide also have a variety of flavored nicotine and tobacco products on their shelves.
• The community, including retailers, have anecdotally shared that other retailers are Ii kely selling NO in back rooms or behind closed doors.
• Throughout Humboldt County, there are retail outlets with a wide variety of unregulated psychoactive products containing Kratom, psilocybin, stimulants and male-enhancing compounds. There are also a wide variety of flavored and unflavored CBD products. These products are found throughout the retail landscape and are not limited to the retail outlets that also sell nitrous oxide products.
NITROUS OXIDE PRODUCTS IN THE HUMBOLDT BAY AREA
8.60/o
13 out of 58 retail outlets had
recreational nitrous oxide
products in plain sight.
7.6% of the stores
with NO only had
crackers and
canisters.
Store/Convience Store
Pharmacy
Independent
Liquor
Smokeshops
Market/Supermarket
Gas Stations
• Observed NO Products
• No NO Observed
0 5 lO 15
84.6% of the stores with NO products
had crackers, canisters and tanks. Independent retail outlets include glass blowers, sex shops, private clubs and a variety of non-traditional tobacco retailers.
KEY FINDINGS
• Recreational nitrous oxide products are readily available and located in plain sight in 20 most jurisdictions in Humboldt County, with the exception of Trinidad, Blue Lake, Hydesville, Carlotta, Dinsmore, Myers Flat, Miranda, Piercy, Redway, Rio Dell and Scotia. • The majority of retail outlets that sell recreational nitrous oxide products are smoke shops. • Unlike other jurisdictions on the North Coast, recreational nitrous oxide products were not observed at gas stations or tattoo shops.
• Fringe stores selling nitrous oxide products included one neighborhood corner market in a residential area, one glass blowing shop and one sex shop. • Throughout Humboldt County, recreational nitrous oxide products are available in close proximity to school sites and other youth-serving organizations. • The retail outlets selling nitrous oxide also have a variety of flavored nicotine and tobacco products on their shelves.
• The community, including retailers, have anecdotally shared that other retailers are likely selling NO in back rooms or behind closed doors.
• Throughout Humboldt County, there are retail outlets with a wide variety of unregulated psychoactive products containing Kratom, psilocybin, stimulants and male-enhancing compounds. There are also a wide variety of flavored and unflavored CBD products. These products are found throughout the retail landscape and are not limited to the retail outlets that also sell nitrous oxide products.
KEY FINDINGS CONTINUED
• Four retail outlets are selling recreational nitrous oxide located in plain sight within 500 feet of a school site or youth-serving facility or recreational site, including • Prime Montessori, Fortuna
• McKinleyville Family Resource Center, McKinleyville
• Arcata Library, Arcata
• Redwood Discovery Musuem, Eureka
• Five retail outlets are selling recreational nitrous oxide located in plan sight within 1,000 feet of a school site or youth-serving facility, including • Cal Poly Campus Apartment, Arcata
• St. Bernards Academy, Eureka
• Sonoma Street Head Start, Eureka
• Willow Creek Library, Willow Creek
• Garberville Library, Garberville
• Three retail outlets within walking distance of the Arcata Plaza.
NITROUS OXIDE RADIUS FROM SCHOOLS AND YOUTH-SERVING PROVIDERS Two youth facilities in Eureka near a
location where nitrous oxide is
openly sold.
Redwood Discovery Museum in
Eureka within 500 feet of where
nitrous oxide is openly sold.
School in Eureka within 1,000 feet of Library in Garberville within where nitrous oxide is openly sold. 1,000 feet of where nitrous oxide is openly sold.
NITROUS OXIDE RADIUS FROM SCHOOLS AND YOUTH-SERVING PROVIDERS College campus apartments in
Arcata within 750 feet of where
nitrous oxide is openly sold.
Two schools in Fortuna near a location
where nitrous oxide is openly sold.
Plaza in Arcata within
500 feet where nitrous
oxide is openly sold.
Library in Arcata within
500 feet of where
nitrous oxide is openly
sold.
Plaza in Arcata within
500 feet where nitrous
oxide is openly sold.
Youth facility in McKinleyville
within 500 feet of where
nitrous oxide is openly sold.
Two schools in McKinleyville near where nitrous oxide
is openly sold.
Legend
These images are
from Google Maps.
Color is used to
highlight locations
on the map.
'Pinpoint to designate
which building is a youthorientated facility.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
Humboldt County is working on a unified policy approach between unincorporated Humboldt County and city jurisdictions.
• On May 6, 2025, the Humboldt Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve a standalone NO ordinance and amend the existing countywide Tobacco Retail Licensing ordinance to include a nitrous oxide sales ban clause. Both the ordinance and amendment were adopted at the June 3, 2025, BOS meeting and will be enacted on July 3, 2025.
• The DHHS-Public Health team and partners are preparing to present at local City Council meetings about this analysis and the county's nitrous oxide policy work. • It is important to support Tribal partners and communities in their efforts where appropriate as community partners.
CONCLUSION
The Humboldt community recently learned that problematic use of recreational nitrous oxide products can lead to tragic consequences for local community members and families. It has long been recognized by many that recreational nitrous oxide use is a significant issue that impacts the health and well-being of our community. While it may be difficult to produce data related to recreational nitrous oxide use, the retail landscape analysis shows that access to these products is an issue throughout many local jurisdictions.
In a recent "LoCO Pollz" on June 3, 2025, community members were asked "Do you think that Humboldt Governments Should Ban Nitrous Oxide Sales?" 1,881 community members responded to the poll, and 67% selected this response: "Yes. The environmental nuisance caused by all the discarded little whip-it canisters is one thing.
More concerning is the rise in people negatively affecting their health because of their addiction to the high nitrous oxide provides. This is the right move." For more information on the DHHS-Public Health team's ongoing work with local policymakers and our community partners on recreational nitrous oxide sales, please email [email protected]. or call 707-268 2132.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
Humboldt County is working on a unified policy approach between unincorporated Humboldt County and city jurisdictions.
• On May 6, 2025, the Humboldt Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve a standalone NO ordinance and amend the existing countywide Tobacco Retail Licensing ordinance to include a nitrous oxide sales ban clause. Both the ordinance and amendment were adopted at the June 3, 2025, BOS meeting and will be enacted on July 3, 2025.
• The DHHS-Public Health team and partners are preparing to present at local City Council meetings about this analysis and the county's nitrous oxide policy work. • It is important to support Tribal partners and communities in their efforts where appropriate as community partners.
CONCLUSION
The Humboldt community recently learned that problematic use of recreational nitrous oxide products can lead to tragic consequences for local community members and families. It has long been recognized by many that recreational nitrous oxide use is a significant issue that impacts the health and well-being of our community. While it may be difficult to produce data related to recreational nitrous oxide use, the retail landscape analysis shows that access to these products is an issue throughout many local jurisdictions.
In a recent "LoCO Pollz" on June 3, 2025, community members were asked "Do you think that Humboldt Governments Should Ban Nitrous Oxide Sales?" 1,881 community members responded to the poll, and 67% selected this response: "Yes. The environmental nuisance caused by all the discarded little whip-it canisters is one thing.
More concerning is the rise in people negatively affecting their health because of their addiction to the high nitrous oxide provides. This is the right move." For more information on the DHHS-Public Health team's ongoing work with local policymakers and our community partners on recreational nitrous oxide sales, please email publichealthaodeco.humboldt.ca. or call 707-268 2132.
SOURCES
l.Alcohol and Drug Foundation (March 7, 2025). Nitrous oxide.
2.California Department of Education (2023). California HealthY- Kids Survey_;_ Humboldt CountY- secondarY- reP-ort, 2021-2023. WestEd.
3. Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services (2021). Your thoughts on substance use in Humboldt: SurveY- reP-ort 2021.
4. Lost Coast Outpost (July 8, 2024). DUI susP-ect in fatal Eureka collision admitted to using nitrous before driving, saY-s EPD. Lost Coast Communications.
5. Lost Coast Outpost (June 3, 2025). LoCo Pollz: POLL! Do Y-OU think Humboldt governments should ban nitrous oxide sales?
6.Zaloum, S. A., Mair, D., Paris, A., Smith, L. J., Patyjewicz, M., Onen, B. L., & Noyce, A. J. (2025). Tackling the growing burden of nitrous oxide-induced P-ublic health harms.
The Lancet Public Health, 10(2), e83-e9l.
SOURCES
1.Alcohol and Drug Foundation (March 7, 2025). Nitrous oxide.
2. California Department of Education (2023). California Healthy Kids Survey:
Humboldt County secondary report, 2021-2023. WestEd.
3. Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services (2021). Your thoughts on substance use in Humboldt: Survey report 2021.
4.Lost Coast Outpost (July 8, 2024). DUI suspect in fatal Eureka collision admitted to using nitrous before driving, says EPD. Lost Coast Communications.
5.Lost Coast Outpost (June 3, 2025). LoCo Pollz: POLL! Do you think Humboldt governments should ban nitrous oxide sales?
6.Zaloum, S. A., Mair, D., Paris, A., Smith, L. J., Patyjewicz, M., Onen, B. L., & Noyce, A. J. (2025). Tackling the growing burden of nitrous oxide-induced public health harms.
The Lancet Public Health, 10(2), e83-e91.