You’ve heard of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and pain medications being used recreationally, but what about…laughing gas?

While nitrous oxide has clinical and medicinal purposes – such as sedating or anesthetizing patients – it can also be used to intoxicate or otherwise create a high. But, applying it in this way is illegal.

Unfortunately, many convenience stores are apparently selling nitrous oxide to people who wish to abuse it.

The Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission says, “Indiana State Excise Police have discovered an alarming trend of this activity…throughout the state.”

So, to address this issue, the Commission recently “issued notice” to more than 8,000 tobacco sellers in the state. About 18 Hoosier tobacco certificate holders have already been cited.

Indiana State Excise Police Superintendent Matt Strittmatter notes that some sellers are “only offering [nitrous oxide tanks] for sale upon request,” and they occasionally even instruct buyers on how to use the substance for intoxication.

If you believe someone is illegally selling or using nitrous oxide, you are asked to contact Indiana State Excise Police or your local police department. Learn more about the substance here.