Last night, police officers responded to a call about a suspicious occupied vehicle and found a woman huffing nitrous oxide inside, with multiple canisters in plain view, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department.
The woman was arrested and taken to the HBPD Jail.
Less than an hour later, during a separate traffic stop for a vehicle code violation, police officers contacted another driver who was found in possession of narcotics and, yes, more nitrous oxide. She was also taken into custody.
While the name may sound harmless, using or possessing nitrous oxide to get high is illegal and extremely dangerous. Inhaling it can cause serious injury, nerve damage, asphyxiation, and even death.
The HBPD’s goal is simple: to keep Huntington Beach safe, and that means stopping dangerous behavior before it becomes tragic.
Penalties Faced by the Suspects
Based on current 2026 California state laws and recent Huntington Beach Municipal Code updates, the suspects face various criminal penalties for the possession and use of nitrous oxide and other narcotics.
Penalties for Nitrous Oxide (Misdemeanor)
Under California Penal Code § 381b, possessing nitrous oxide with intent to inhale it for intoxication or being under its influence for recreational purposes is a misdemeanor.
- Jail Time: Up to six months in county jail.
- Fines: A maximum fine of $1,000.
- Probation: Judges may award summary (informal) probation in place of jail time, which may include drug counseling or community service.
- Local Ordinance: As of December 4, 2025, Huntington Beach has a municipal ordinance that reinforces these penalties, making any violation of the city’s nitrous oxide chapter a misdemeanor punishable by similar jail terms and fines.
Penalties for Narcotics Possession
The second suspect found with narcotics faces charges under Health and Safety Code § 11350, typically for personal use.
- Standard Penalty: Usually a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year (364 days) in county jail and/or a fine of $1,000.
- Diversion Programs: First-time offenders may qualify for drug diversion programs (e.g., PC 1000 or Proposition 36), where charges are dismissed upon successful completion of treatment.
- Felony Potential: Charges can be elevated to a felony (up to three years in jail) if the suspect has prior convictions for serious felonies or specific sex crimes.
Additional Risks and Consequences
- DUI Charges: Driving while under the influence of nitrous oxide or narcotics is illegal and carries penalties similar to alcohol-related DUIs, including license suspension and fines up to $13,500.
- Collateral Consequences: Convictions can lead to a permanent criminal record, driver’s license suspension, and severe immigration consequences for non-citizens, including deportation.
Do Women get Busted for Nitroux Oxide More than Men do?
While recent news reports may feature several high-profile arrests of women for nitrous oxide in Southern California, broader data suggests that usage and arrests actually skew toward young men. However, specific sociological and legal trends in 2025 and 2026 explain why these arrests are highly visible in areas like Huntington Beach.
1. Higher Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders in Justice-Involved Women
Research indicates that women in the criminal justice system are significantly more likely than men to have substance use disorders. Approximately 70% of women in jail or prison meet the criteria for a substance use disorder, compared to 60% of men. Women are also more likely than men to report being under the influence of drugs at the precise time of their arrest.
2. Aggressive Local Enforcement in Orange County
The frequency of “busts” in Southern California is largely due to a massive legal crackdown that began in late 2025:
- New Ordinances: Huntington Beach enacted a strict new ordinance on December 4, 2025, specifically targeting the sale and recreational use of nitrous oxide.
- Proactive Policing: Cities like Newport Beach and Costa Mesa have seen arrests for nitrous oxide skyrocket by over 1,000% between 2020 and 2024 as police departments increasingly target “suspicious occupied vehicles” where use often occurs.
3. Targeted Marketing and Social Media Influence
Authorities have noted that newer forms of nitrous oxide—such as the large, brightly colored, flavored canisters found in the suspects’ vehicles—are heavily marketed on social media.
- Influencer Promotion: TikTok and other platforms have been used to promote these products as “lighthearted” or “low-risk” recreational activities.
- “Culpable” Branding: Packaging often features “psychedelic” or “fruity” designs intended to appeal to younger demographics, including young women who may perceive it as a safer alternative to traditional “hard” narcotics.
4. Demographic Realities
Despite the perception of women being “busted a lot,” recent 2025 CDC and poison center data shows that men still account for approximately 63% of intentional nitrous oxide misuse cases. The highest usage rates are consistently found among individuals aged 20 to 39 living in metropolitan areas like Southern California.