Sale or possession of nitrous oxide prohibited; exceptions.
New Orleans City Code § 54-497
in effectSec. 54-497. - Sale or possession of nitrous oxide prohibited; exceptions.
(a) As used in this section, nitrous oxide or laughing gas shall mean the chemical compound bearing the symbol N 2 O in cylinders or containers. Food products containing nitrous oxide as an aerosol shall not be considered nitrous oxide or laughing gas for the purposes of this section.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to have in his possession or to sell, offer for sale, or deliver or give nitrous oxide or laughing gas to any person within the city.
(c) The provisions of this section shall not make unlawful:
(1) The sale or delivery of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to or by the following persons or their agents or employees, or
(2) The possession of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) by the following persons or their agents or employees:
a. Licensed pharmacists;
b. Licensed physicians or licensed dentists for medical or dental uses;
c. Hospitals for lawful administration by licensed physicians;
d. Accredited schools and colleges for use in chemistry courses or similar educational courses;
e. Individuals using nitrous oxide (laughing gas) as a propellant for restaurant, food service and houseware products, such as cream whippers;
f. Manufacturers, wholesalers, retail dealers, warehouse operators, or other persons in the business of distributing nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to or storing nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for the persons enumerated in this subsection.
(d) A violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100.00. Additional penalties may be imposed in accordance with section 54-25.
(Code 1956, § 42-151)
Source: City of New Orleans, Code of Ordinances and Home Rule Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/la/new_orleans/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH54CRCO_ARTVIIOFGE_S54-497SAPONIOXPREXFetched: 10/28/2026