Senator Ryan and Assembly Member McDonald Highlight Legislation to Combat Nitrous Oxide Misuse

ALBANY, N.Y. – State Senator Christopher J. Ryan and Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPH, today gathered at the State Capitol building in Albany to highlight their legislation (S.9567B/A.10923) which prohibits the retail sale of nitrous oxide, with exceptions for legitimate professional uses.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is used professionally by dentists, mechanics, and culinary professionals. Unfortunately, nitrous oxide is often misused as an inhalant for its hallucinogenic effects, and can cause serious health problems such as headaches, numbness, loss of consciousness, asphyxiation, and in some cases death. Currently, the product can be sold in large, colorful, flavored canisters at gas stations and convenience stores. The misuse of nitrous oxide continues to grow and leads to devastating consequences. Nitrous oxide misuse-related deaths have increased by more than 500% from 2010 to 2023. In the wake of dangerous trends, adopting terms such as “whippets” on social media, misuse continues to grow.

This legislation, known as Nima’s Law, would prevent the sale of nitrous oxide to the public outside of the acceptable uses already defined in public health law. Nima’s law would establish civil penalties on the businesses that sell nitrous oxide as to not punish those with substance abuse disorders, and create an education and outreach program to teach people about the dangers of nitrous oxide misuse.

This bill was named “Nima’s Law” in honor of Nima Pazooki of Jericho, Nassau County who tragically lost his life after prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide products. Nima was in recovery and attending regular meetings, however started to display unexplained symptoms. Even after visits to doctors, the medical community couldn’t determine what the cause was. It was only after Nima’s passing, that his parents discovered evidence of his long term nitrous oxide use.

Nima’s Law is sponsored in the State Senate by Senator Ryan and by Assemblymember McDonald in the State Assembly. The bill passed in the Senate during the 2026 session, however failed in the Assembly. Both legislators are working to advance this legislation in the 2027 legislative session.

“We have a responsibility to protect our children and communities from the dangers of nitrous oxide misuse,” said Senator Ryan. “These products are too easily accessible, and the consequences can be life-altering, including permanent neurological damage or death. This legislation takes a commonsense approach by restricting access to products being misused while preserving their legitimate professional uses. I am very proud to sponsor this legislation in the State Senate and meaningful steps to prevent these tragedies before more families experience the devastating loss of a loved one.”

“The deaths of Nima, Zachary, and countless others from nitrous oxide substance use disorders are terrible tragedies, and we do not want to see another person lose their life due to nitrous oxide misuse,” said Assemblymember McDonald. “I thank my colleague, Senator Chris Ryan, for working with me on this legislation.”

Senator Ryan and Assemblymember McDonald were joined at the State Capitol by Assemblymember Matthew Simpson who worked on this legislation in the State Assembly, as well as Haleh Brown, mother of Nima Pazooki, and Kate Boyle, mother of Zachary Ignazio who also tragically lost his life to nitrous oxide misuse.