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SB 2113

Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates an offense to knowingly inhale, ingest, use, or possess any compound, liquid, gas, or chemical that contains nitrous oxide. - Amends TCA Title 39; Title 57, Chapter 7; Title 63 and Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 10.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Heidi Campbell

SB 2113 criminalizes possession and use of nitrous oxide in Tennessee, potentially affecting medical, culinary, and recreational applications.

Filed for introduction
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Bill Summary · SB 2113

Legislative bill overview

SB 2113 would create a criminal offense in Tennessee for knowingly inhaling, ingesting, using, or possessing any substance containing nitrous oxide. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee code related to criminal offenses, health regulations, and controlled substances.

Why is this important

Nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") has become increasingly misused recreationally, particularly among young people, through inhalation from whipped cream dispensers and cartridges. The bill represents a policy shift toward criminalization rather than regulation or education, with potential implications for legitimate medical and culinary uses of the substance.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and legitimate use: Nitrous oxide has legal medical applications (anesthesia, pain management) and culinary uses (whipped cream production). The broad language "any compound, liquid, gas, or chemical that contains nitrous oxide" could criminalize possession for lawful purposes unless exceptions are carved out in implementation.
  • Enforcement and public health approach: Critics may argue criminalization shifts focus from treatment and prevention to incarceration, particularly affecting individuals with substance use disorders rather than addressing root causes of misuse.
  • Constitutional and practical concerns: The bill's vague language around "possession" and "use" could raise questions about what constitutes criminal conduct and may be difficult to enforce consistently across medical, industrial, and recreational contexts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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