Blog Report

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

California Continues to Wage War Against 'Whippets'

From a June 23, 2009 press release by California Assemblyman Tom Torlakson

Last week ACE addressed ongoing efforts in California to prohibit the sale of Nitrous Oxide 'whippets' to minors. Legislation initially proposed by Sacramento Assemblyman Tom Torlakson adamantly denouncing "the sale or distribution of nitrous oxide including any paraphernalia containing nitrous oxide to a minor under the age of eighteen; in addition to enforcing measures upon retailers to acquire proof of age prior to any sale" has garnered an official introduction into California's State Supreme Court as Bill AB 1015.

In collaboration with LA City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, Torlakson aims to reduce the rates of inhalant abuse among teens throughout the state, eliminating "the damage [of a] seemingly innocent drug.” As the battle against 'whippets' wages on in California, ACE will provide any developments straight from 'the trenches.'

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I have been a police officer in Southern California for over 14 years. During this time much of my service has been with narcotic enforement. I am currently a sergeant supervising a local narcotics unit. I can attest to the fact we have a huge problem with inhalant abuse. This legislation is good, however, it's really just the "tip of the iceberg". We need legislation that makes it a felony to sell nitrous oxide. I can't tell you how many times we have caught persons in parking lots or at parties with a tank of nitrous, a bag of ballons and a pocket full of $5 dollar bills. All we can arrest for is a misdemeanor. This really needs to be addressed because this problem isn't going away. Every year countless persons lose their lives in traffic accidents due to driving under the influence of inhalants. It's time we take a more multi-faceted approach to this problem.