local
Wiping Whippets: SF considers nitrous oxide sales ban amid reported uptick in use
By Lyanne Melendez at ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
San Francisco Supervisor Danny Sauter is proposing a ban on the retail sale of nitrous oxide in the city as health officials worldwide are reporting a significant increase in the use of 'Whippets,' particularly among young people.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
San Francisco's proposed ban on nitrous oxide sales could have significant implications for the city's public health and safety. If passed, the ban would likely impact local convenience stores and smoke shops that currently sell the product. The city's history of addressing substance use issues, such as opioid addiction and methamphetamine use, suggests that lawmakers may be taking a proactive approach to mitigating the risks associated with nitrous oxide. Supervisor Sauter's proposal may also spark a broader conversation about the availability of recreational substances in San Francisco and the role of city government in regulating their sale. As the proposal moves forward, it will be worth watching how local business owners and community groups respond to the potential ban, and how it might affect the city's ongoing efforts to promote public health and safety. The ban's potential impact on the city's youth population will be a key area of focus.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC) . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more The San Francisco stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? San Francisco Supervisor Danny Sauter is proposing a ban on the retail sale of nitrous oxide in the city as health officials worldwide are reporting a significant increase in the use of 'Whippets,' particularly among young people.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lyanne Melendez at ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter