WMBF News reports that COLUMBIA, SC (WMBF) - South Carolina is cracking down on nitrous oxide, banning its sale to minors and setting criminal penalties for violations.

Henry McMaster signed on May 18, prohibits the sale of nitrous oxide and nitrous oxide products to anyone under 18, and retailers must require identification to verify customers’ ages.

Retailers are also prohibited from selling flavored nitrous oxide products or marketing nitrous oxide for recreational use.

Tobacco retailers are banned from selling nitrous oxide products entirely.

The law aims to prevent the recreational misuse of nitrous oxide.

Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas with several legitimate uses, such as medical applications as laughing gas, pressurizing whipped cream canisters, and boosting automotive engine performance, all of which remain legal under the new law.