Yes.

Nitrous oxide “whippets,” canisters of laughing gas inhaled to get high, can be legally purchased in Nevada.

Nevada is one of 32 states that makes recreational use of inhalants a misdemeanor, but does not have any explicit laws restricting the sale and possession of nitrous oxide canisters. 

Nitrous oxide has federally legal, non-recreational applications in medical anesthesia and food preparation. The latter facilitates a legal loophole wherein manufacturers can label canisters for use in whipped cream dispensers — even though the products often advertise flavors and colorful designs.

When inhaled, nitrous oxide acts on various neurotransmitters to produce short-lived euphoria, relaxation, pain relief and dissociation. Chronic recreational use can cause neurological damage, cardiovascular problems and psychiatric issues such as hallucinations, psychosis, delusions, paranoia and depression.

A 2025 study found a nearly 600% increase in deaths from the drug between 2010 and 2023.

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Sources

• Most Policy Initiative Nitrous Oxide
• JAMA Network US Nitrous Oxide Mortality
• About Lawsuit States Move To Ban Nitrous Oxide ‘Whippet’ Sales Amid Rising Youth Addiction and Deaths