Forget about buying “laughing gas” or “hippy crack” in Orland Park.
Orland Park Village Board members pretty much had their minds made up, but a last-minute plea from a pair of residents didn’t hurt the cause any.
The board voted on July 20 to prohibit the retail sale, possession and recreational use of nitrous oxide in the village. Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” “whippets” and “hippy crack” will no longer be available for sale.
“Federally, it’s a crime but there is a loophole that some places were trying to take advantage of,” Village Manager George Koczwara said. “Where we are really calling it out is that it’s not sold in vape shops or tobacco shops or convenience stores, which is obviously not selling this for food purposes.
“They are doing this for recreational drug purposes.”
Trustee John Lawler couldn’t vote for this ordinance fast enough.
“I find it very alarming that a tobacco shop would be selling this with the strict purpose of getting people high,” Lawler said. “Young people are susceptible to addiction. I lost a younger brother to drugs so I’m glad we are doing this ordinance.”
During the public comments portion of the Committee of the Whole meeting, residents David and Kelly Conrad told the board nitrous oxide use was a “serious and growing” problem.
“Younger people think it is safe because the high is short,” Kelly said. “That misunderstanding can lead to devastating consequences.”
And it hit home for the Conrads.
“Our family has been dealing with a family member who has become addicted to nitrous oxide for the past year,” Kelly said. “We watched this drug steal the person we once knew. It’s left us helpless.
“Last month, he had a horrendous setback that landed him in the hospital.”
Mayor James Dodge wants the village to be rid of the nitrous oxide problem.
“If you see something like this, please bring it to our attention,” Dodge said. “It helps us with code enforcement and helps us with our police operations. “We want compliance.”
Nitrous oxide can be used in medical and dental offices lawfully using it for patient care, according to the ordinance.
It can also be used in licensed food-service establishments for food or beverage preparation.
Also, commercial, industrial or scientific entities can use it for manufacturing or research, providing the substance is not sold or transferred for recreational use.
Government agencies of emergency services using nitrous oxide for lawful purposes is also allowed.
