Is Nitrous Oxide Legal in Minnesota? (2026)

Gray area

As of November 12, 2026, Nitrous Oxide (whippets, Galaxy Gas) is in a legal gray area (sold in practice, exposed to an interpretive ban theory) in Minnesota. Toxic-substance law names nitrous oxide only as a glue or paint ingredient. Controlling source: Minn. Stat. 609.684 Abuse of toxic substances.

Verified November 12, 2026 (hash check) · confidence: under review

Is Nitrous Oxide Legal? Every state and federal law

WatchNo pending legislation, deadlines or enforcement actions on file for Nitrous Oxide in Minnesota.
Rule type
permanent
Tier
Consumption restricted

What the record says

Minn. Stat. 609.684, subd. 1(1) defines 'toxic substance' to include 'glue, cement, or aerosol paint containing' toluene, benzene, xylene, amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, nitrous oxide or other aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, plus butane and any similar substance the commissioner of health declares toxic by rule. Subd. 3 makes it a misdemeanor to use or possess a toxic substance with intent to induce intoxication, excitement or stupefaction, except under the direction of a medical doctor, and subd. 4 requires retailers of toxic substances to post a warning sign. Nitrous oxide appears only as an ingredient of glue, cement or aerosol paint; whether a whipped-cream charger or tank of nitrous oxide is a 'toxic substance' under subd. 1 is a definitional question no court or rule found has resolved. Bills to restrict sale did not pass: S.F. 2216 (2025) carried a new Sec. 325F.079 Sale of nitrous oxide in its later versions but its conference committee was discharged and the bill laid on the table, and S.F. 1215 / H.F. 325 (flavored nitrous oxide sale ban) stayed in committee. The 2025 and 2026 session-law indexes contain no nitrous oxide entry. Nitrous oxide is not on Minnesota’s schedules (Minn. Stat. 152.02). Federal law does not control nitrous oxide (see the federal page).

Controlling language, verbatim

(1) glue, cement, or aerosol paint containing toluene, benzene, xylene, amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, nitrous oxide, or containing other aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, but does not include glue, cement, or paint contained in a packaged kit for the construction of a model automobile, airplane, or similar item;

Source of excerpt

Citations

  1. Minn. Stat. 609.684 Abuse of toxic substances (Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, 2026-10-31) PRIMARYOFFICIAL
  2. S.F. 2216 (2025) bill status (Minnesota Legislature, 2026-10-31)OFFICIAL
  3. S.F. 1215 (2025) bill status (Minnesota Legislature, 2026-10-31)OFFICIAL
  4. Minnesota Session Laws 2026, index (Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, 2026-10-31)OFFICIAL

Where Nitrous Oxide (whippets, Galaxy Gas) stands across the country

LegalRestrictedGray areaIllegalNot yet verified

Among Minnesota’s 4 neighbors, Iowa, North Dakota and Wisconsin are restricted; South Dakota is gray area.

Open the interactive map · Every compound in Minnesota · Where Nitrous Oxide is banned · Inhalant ban in Minnesota · Embed this map

Federal posture

Not federally scheduled. Not federally controlled; lawful food and medical gas; FDA warns against inhalation Federal detail

Verbatim law on file for Minnesota

9 instruments on file for this compound’s framework in Minnesota; 4 of 4 citations above are official sources. Each text carries its source and a fingerprint that changes when the law does.

Minn. Stat. § 152.02, subd. 2(d) · Schedule I hallucinogenic substances (official text)OFFICIAL
Instrument
Schedule I hallucinogenic substances (official text)
Source
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/152.02
Retrieved
2026-11-01
Fingerprint
06029d9563d024e9
(d) Hallucinogens. Any material, compound, mixture or preparation which contains any quantity of the following substances, their analogs, salts, isomers (whether optical, positional, or geometric), and salts of isomers, unless specifically excepted or unless listed in another schedule, whenever the existence of the analogs, salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible:

(44) 4-hydroxy-N-methyl-N-propyltryptamine (4-HO-MPT);

(47) 4-hydroxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (4-HO-DiPT);

(72) 3-(2-Ethyl(methyl)aminoethyl)-1H-indol-4-yl (4-AcO-MET); and
Minn. Stat. 152.02 subd.2(f) · Minnesota lists tianeptine in Schedule IOFFICIAL
Instrument
Minnesota lists tianeptine in Schedule I
Source
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2026/cite/152.02
Retrieved
2026-11-01
Fingerprint
d3f30053e76ed1d5
(f) Central nervous system depressants. Unless specifically excepted or unless listed in another schedule, any material compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of the following substances, their analogs, salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of the analogs, salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible: (1) mecloqualone; (2) methaqualone; (3) gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), including its esters and ethers; (4) flunitrazepam; (5) 2-(2-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(methylamino)cyclohexanone (2-MeO-2-deschloroketamine, methoxyketamine); (6) tianeptine; (7) clonazolam; (8) etizolam; (9) flubromazolam; and (10) flubromazepam.
Minn. Stat. 152.02, subd. 2(d)-(e) · Schedule I: hallucinogens and peyoteOFFICIAL
Instrument
Schedule I: hallucinogens and peyote
Source
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/152.02
Retrieved
2026-10-29
Fingerprint
d0712b730d7bf26b
(d) Hallucinogens. Any material, compound, mixture or preparation which contains any quantity of the following substances, their analogs, salts, isomers (whether optical, positional, or geometric), and salts of isomers, unless specifically excepted or unless listed in another schedule, whenever the existence of the analogs, salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible:

(1) methylenedioxy amphetamine;

(2) methylenedioxymethamphetamine;

(3) methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine (MDEA);

(4) n-hydroxy-methylenedioxyamphetamine;

(5) 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (DOB);

(6) 2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (2,5-DMA);

(7) 4-methoxyamphetamine;

(8) 5-methoxy-3, 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine;

(9) alpha-ethyltryptamine;

(10) bufotenine;

(11) diethyltryptamine;

(12) dimethyltryptamine;

(13) 3,4,5-trimethoxyamphetamine;

(14) 4-methyl-2, 5-dimethoxyamphetamine (DOM);

(15) ibogaine;

(16) lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD);

(17) mescaline;

(18) parahexyl;

(19) N-ethyl-3-piperidyl benzilate;

(20) N-methyl-3-piperidyl benzilate;

(21) psilocybin;

(22) psilocyn;

(23) tenocyclidine (TPCP or TCP);

(24) N-ethyl-1-phenyl-cyclohexylamine (PCE);

(25) 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl) pyrrolidine (PCPy);

(26) 1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]-pyrrolidine (TCPy);

(27) 4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (DOC);

(28) 4-ethyl-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (DOET);

(29) 4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (DOI);

(30) 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B);

(31) 4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-C);

(32) 4-methyl-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-D);

(33) 4-ethyl-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-E);

(34) 4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-I);

(35) 4-propyl-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-P);

(36) 4-isopropylthio-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-T-4);

(37) 4-propylthio-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-T-7);

(38) 2-(8-bromo-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrofuro [2,3-f][1]benzofuran-4-yl)ethanamine (2-CB-FLY);

(39) bromo-benzodifuranyl-isopropylamine (Bromo-DragonFLY);

(40) alpha-methyltryptamine (AMT);

(41) N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (DiPT);

(42) 4-acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-AcO-DMT);

(43) 4-acetoxy-N,N-diethyltryptamine (4-AcO-DET);

(44) 4-hydroxy-N-methyl-N-propyltryptamine (4-HO-MPT);

(45) 4-hydroxy-N,N-dipropyltryptamine (4-HO-DPT);

(46) 4-hydroxy-N,N-diallyltryptamine (4-HO-DALT);

(47) 4-hydroxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (4-HO-DiPT);

(48) 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DiPT);

(49) 5-methoxy-α-methyltryptamine (5-MeO-AMT);

(50) 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT);

(51) 5-methylthio-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeS-DMT);

(52) 5-methoxy-N-methyl-N-isopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-MiPT);

(53) 5-methoxy-α-ethyltryptamine (5-MeO-AET);

(54) 5-methoxy-N,N-dipropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DPT);

(55) 5-methoxy-N,N-diethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DET);

(56) 5-methoxy-N,N-diallyltryptamine (5-MeO-DALT);

(57) methoxetamine (MXE);

(58) 5-iodo-2-aminoindane (5-IAI);

(59) 5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane (MDAI);

(60) 2-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine (25B-NBOMe);

(61) 2-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine (25C-NBOMe);

(62) 2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine (25I-NBOMe);

(63) 2-(2,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine (2C-H);

(64) 2-(4-Ethylthio-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine (2C-T-2);

(65) N,N-Dipropyltryptamine (DPT);

(66) 3-[1-(Piperidin-1-yl)cyclohexyl]phenol (3-HO-PCP);

(67) N-ethyl-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanamine (3-MeO-PCE);

(68) 4-[1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]morpholine (3-MeO-PCMo);

(69) 1-[1-(4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]-piperidine (methoxydine, 4-MeO-PCP);

(70) 2-(2-Chlorophenyl)-2-(ethylamino)cyclohexan-1-one (N-Ethylnorketamine, ethketamine, NENK);

(71) methylenedioxy-N,N-dimethylamphetamine (MDDMA);

(72) 3-(2-Ethyl(methyl)aminoethyl)-1H-indol-4-yl (4-AcO-MET); and

(73) 2-Phenyl-2-(methylamino)cyclohexanone (deschloroketamine).

(e) Peyote. All parts of the plant presently classified botanically as Lophophora williamsii Lemaire, whether growing or not, the seeds thereof, any extract from any part of the plant, and every compound, manufacture, salts, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds or extracts. The listing of peyote as a controlled substance in Schedule I does not apply to the nondrug use of peyote in bona fide religious ceremonies of the American Indian Church, and members of the American Indian Church are exempt from registration. Any person who manufactures peyote for or distributes peyote to the American Indian Church, however, is required to obtain federal registration annually and to comply with all other requirements of law.
Show 6 more laws on file
Minn. Stat. 152.02, subd. 2(e) · Schedule I, peyote (definition and religious-use exemption)OFFICIAL
Instrument
Schedule I, peyote (definition and religious-use exemption)
Source
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/152.02
Retrieved
2026-10-31
Fingerprint
1fee9becc6b8a6f4
(e) Peyote. All parts of the plant presently classified botanically as Lophophora williamsii Lemaire, whether growing or not, the seeds thereof, any extract from any part of the plant, and every compound, manufacture, salts, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds or extracts. The listing of peyote as a controlled substance in Schedule I does not apply to the nondrug use of peyote in bona fide religious ceremonies of the American Indian Church, and members of the American Indian Church are exempt from registration. Any person who manufactures peyote for or distributes peyote to the American Indian Church, however, is required to obtain federal registration annually and to comply with all other requirements of law.
Minn. Stat. 152.02, subd. 2(i) · Schedule I - controlled substance analog clauseOFFICIAL
Instrument
Schedule I - controlled substance analog clause
Source
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/152.02
Retrieved
2026-07-20
Fingerprint
8ecbcdc5eb8135e1
(i) A controlled substance analog, to the extent that it is implicitly or explicitly intended for human consumption.
Minn. Stat. 152.02, subd. 4(c) · Schedule III, depressants (incl. ketamine)OFFICIAL
Instrument
Schedule III, depressants (incl. ketamine)
Source
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/152.02
Retrieved
2026-10-31
Fingerprint
49985cba973459da
(c) Depressants. Unless specifically excepted or unless listed in another schedule, any material, compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of the following substances having a potential for abuse associated with a depressant effect on the central nervous system:

(1) any compound, mixture, or preparation containing amobarbital, secobarbital, pentobarbital or any salt thereof and one or more other active medicinal ingredients which are not listed in any schedule;

(2) any suppository dosage form containing amobarbital, secobarbital, pentobarbital, or any salt of any of these drugs and approved by the food and drug administration for marketing only as a suppository;

(3) any substance which contains any quantity of a derivative of barbituric acid, or any salt of a derivative of barbituric acid, except those substances which are specifically listed in other schedules;

(4) any drug product containing gamma hydroxybutyric acid, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers, for which an application is approved under section 505 of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;

(5) any of the following substances:

(i) chlorhexadol;

(ii) ketamine, its salts, isomers and salts of isomers;

(iii) lysergic acid;

(iv) lysergic acid amide;

(v) methyprylon;

(vi) sulfondiethylmethane;

(vii) sulfonenthylmethane;

(viii) sulfonmethane;

(ix) tiletamine and zolazepam and any salt thereof;

(x) embutramide;

(xi) Perampanel [2-(2-oxo-1-phenyl-5-pyridin-2-yl-1,2-Dihydropyridin-3-yl) benzonitrile].
Minn. Stat. 152.027, subd. 5 · Sale or possession of salvia divinorumOFFICIAL
Instrument
Sale or possession of salvia divinorum
Source
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/152.027
Retrieved
2026-10-31
Fingerprint
9f0d783e3af82d85
Sale or possession of salvia divinorum.

(a) A person who unlawfully sells any amount of salvia divinorum or salvinorin A is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

(b) A person who unlawfully possesses any amount of salvia divinorum or salvinorin A is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Minn. Stat. 609.684 · Abuse of toxic substancesOFFICIAL
Instrument
Abuse of toxic substances
Source
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/609.684
Retrieved
2026-10-31
Fingerprint
c76d3be671f0a9e2
609.684 ABUSE OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES.

§

Subdivision 1.
Toxic substances.

For purposes of this section, “toxic substance” means:

(1) glue, cement, or aerosol paint containing toluene, benzene, xylene, amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, nitrous oxide, or containing other aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, but does not include glue, cement, or paint contained in a packaged kit for the construction of a model automobile, airplane, or similar item;

(2) butane or a butane lighter; or

(3) any similar substance declared to be toxic to the central nervous system and to have a potential for abuse, by a rule adopted by the commissioner of health under chapter 14.

§

Subd. 2.

MS 1996 [Repealed,
1997 c 239 art 3 s 25
]

§

Subd. 3.
Use for intoxication prohibited.

A person is guilty of a misdemeanor who uses or possesses any toxic substance with the intent of inducing intoxication, excitement, or stupefaction of the central nervous system, except under the direction and supervision of a medical doctor. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor who intentionally aids another in violation of this subdivision.

§

Subd. 4.
Notice required.

(a) A business establishment that offers for sale at retail any toxic substance must display a conspicuous sign that contains the following, or substantially similar, language:

"NOTICE

It is a misdemeanor for a person to use or possess glue, cement, aerosol paint, with the intent of inducing intoxication, excitement, or stupefaction of the central nervous system. This use can be harmful or fatal."

(b) A business establishment may omit from the required notice references to any toxic substance that is not offered for sale by that business establishment.

(c) A business establishment that does not sell any toxic substance listed in subdivision 1 other than butane or butane lighters is not required to post a notice under paragraph (a).

History:

1992 c 485 s 2
;
1997 c 239 art 3 s 18
Minn. Stat. Sec. 152.02, subd. 2(d) · Schedule I, hallucinogensOFFICIAL
Instrument
Schedule I, hallucinogens
Source
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/152.02
Retrieved
2026-11-06
Fingerprint
6251efe3159b8e47
(d) Hallucinogens. Any material, compound, mixture or preparation which contains any quantity of the following substances, their analogs, salts, isomers (whether optical, positional, or geometric), and salts of isomers, unless specifically excepted or unless listed in another schedule, whenever the existence of the analogs, salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible:

(1) methylenedioxy amphetamine;

(2) methylenedioxymethamphetamine;

(3) methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine (MDEA);

(4) n-hydroxy-methylenedioxyamphetamine;

(5) 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (DOB);

(6) 2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (2,5-DMA);

(7) 4-methoxyamphetamine;

(8) 5-methoxy-3, 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine;

(9) alpha-ethyltryptamine;

(10) bufotenine;

(11) diethyltryptamine;

(12) dimethyltryptamine;

(13) 3,4,5-trimethoxyamphetamine;

(14) 4-methyl-2, 5-dimethoxyamphetamine (DOM);

(15) ibogaine;

(16) lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD);

(17) mescaline;

(18) parahexyl;

(19) N-ethyl-3-piperidyl benzilate;

(20) N-methyl-3-piperidyl benzilate;

(21) psilocybin;

(22) psilocyn;

(23) tenocyclidine (TPCP or TCP);

(24) N-ethyl-1-phenyl-cyclohexylamine (PCE);

(25) 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl) pyrrolidine (PCPy);

(26) 1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]-pyrrolidine (TCPy);

(27) 4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (DOC);

(28) 4-ethyl-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (DOET);

(29) 4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (DOI);

(30) 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B);

(31) 4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-C);

(32) 4-methyl-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-D);

(33) 4-ethyl-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-E);

(34) 4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-I);

(35) 4-propyl-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-P);

(36) 4-isopropylthio-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-T-4);

(37) 4-propylthio-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-T-7);

(38) 2-(8-bromo-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrofuro [2,3-f][1]benzofuran-4-yl)ethanamine (2-CB-FLY);

(39) bromo-benzodifuranyl-isopropylamine (Bromo-DragonFLY);

(40) alpha-methyltryptamine (AMT);

(41) N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (DiPT);

(42) 4-acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-AcO-DMT);

(43) 4-acetoxy-N,N-diethyltryptamine (4-AcO-DET);

(44) 4-hydroxy-N-methyl-N-propyltryptamine (4-HO-MPT);

(45) 4-hydroxy-N,N-dipropyltryptamine (4-HO-DPT);

(46) 4-hydroxy-N,N-diallyltryptamine (4-HO-DALT);

(47) 4-hydroxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (4-HO-DiPT);

(48) 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DiPT);

(49) 5-methoxy-α-methyltryptamine (5-MeO-AMT);

(50) 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT);

(51) 5-methylthio-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeS-DMT);

(52) 5-methoxy-N-methyl-N-isopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-MiPT);

(53) 5-methoxy-α-ethyltryptamine (5-MeO-AET);

(54) 5-methoxy-N,N-dipropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DPT);

(55) 5-methoxy-N,N-diethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DET);

(56) 5-methoxy-N,N-diallyltryptamine (5-MeO-DALT);

(57) methoxetamine (MXE);

(58) 5-iodo-2-aminoindane (5-IAI);

(59) 5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane (MDAI);

(60) 2-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine (25B-NBOMe);

(61) 2-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine (25C-NBOMe);

(62) 2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine (25I-NBOMe);

(63) 2-(2,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine (2C-H);

(64) 2-(4-Ethylthio-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine (2C-T-2);

(65) N,N-Dipropyltryptamine (DPT);

(66) 3-[1-(Piperidin-1-yl)cyclohexyl]phenol (3-HO-PCP);

(67) N-ethyl-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanamine (3-MeO-PCE);

(68) 4-[1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]morpholine (3-MeO-PCMo);

(69) 1-[1-(4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]-piperidine (methoxydine, 4-MeO-PCP);

(70) 2-(2-Chlorophenyl)-2-(ethylamino)cyclohexan-1-one (N-Ethylnorketamine, ethketamine, NENK);

(71) methylenedioxy-N,N-dimethylamphetamine (MDDMA);

(72) 3-(2-Ethyl(methyl)aminoethyl)-1H-indol-4-yl (4-AcO-MET); and

(73) 2-Phenyl-2-(methylamino)cyclohexanone (deschloroketamine).

Nitrous Oxide (whippets, Galaxy Gas) in neighboring states

Nitrous Oxide in 46 other states

Closest to Nitrous Oxide in Minnesota

Same framework in Minnesota

23 other compounds in Minnesota

Cite this page

Compound Analytics. “Is Nitrous Oxide Legal in Minnesota? Updated Nov 2026.” Compound Laws, https://compoundlaws.com/compounds/nitrous-oxide/minnesota/. Accessed November 13, 2026.

Compound Laws, published by Compound Analytics, reports the record: statutes verbatim, official citations, enforcement facts and verification dates. Nothing here is legal advice and nothing here describes how to get around a law. A jurisdiction with no verified row is reported as not yet verified, never as legal. Found an error? Corrections policy.

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