Recreational drug use continues to evolve, with people turning to unconventional products to achieve euphoria. One concerning example is the misuse of nitrous oxide (N2O) found in whipped cream chargers, commonly known as “whippets” or, more recently, “galaxy gas.” This trend is particularly prevalent among teenagers and young adults, who inhale nitrous oxide to experience a brief, euphoric high.
Galaxy Gas, a company that manufactures whipped cream chargers containing nitrous oxide, has unintentionally become associated with this trend. The chargers, designed to add flavor and froth to whipped cream, are being misused as recreational drugs.
The company's FAQ section clarifies that whipped cream chargers are filled with nitrous oxide solely to froth cream. Each charger typically contains about eight grams of N2O under pressure, and the product can be refilled. Despite this clear explanation, nitrous oxide chargers are easily accessible for purchase on platforms like Walmart and Amazon, making them ripe for misuse.
The use of nitrous oxide as a recreational drug is not new, but the terminology surrounding it is evolving. Common terms for this behavior include “huffing” and “chroming,” with “galaxy gas” being a more recent addition. Nitrous oxide is widely used for medicinal purposes, such as in dental procedures, but it is not classified as a controlled substance. While its possession is illegal in certain contexts, it remains available for purchase as a culinary product.
In 2024, Louisiana became the first state to ban the possession, sale, or transfer of nitrous oxide chargers for recreational use. However, the law includes a significant loophole—it does not restrict the sale of nitrous oxide for culinary purposes. As a result, despite the ban, the product remains accessible for misuse. Moreover, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act, no other state has legalized the sale or distribution of nitrous oxide for non-culinary purposes. The substance is still permitted in food products, provided that manufacturing processes meet safety standards. This creates an ongoing challenge in preventing the misuse of nitrous oxide.
In response to growing concerns, New York has implemented a ban on the sale of steel containers containing nitrous oxide to individuals under the age of 21. However, the state’s Department of Agriculture and Markets clarified that this regulation does not apply to whipped cream cans. Following the media attention surrounding this issue, Galaxy Gas added a pop-up notice on its website, stating that its products are sold exclusively for use as a food-processing propellant for whipped cream and other culinary purposes. The notice also warns that the intentional misuse and inhalation of the product’s contents are prohibited and pose serious health risks.
The health risks associated with nitrous oxide misuse are significant and can include loss of coordination, headaches, nausea, vomiting, vitamin B12 deficiency, and loss of consciousness due to oxygen deprivation. In severe cases, nitrous oxide inhalation can cause seizures or other life-threatening conditions.
Reference:
1. Mayer, B. A. (2024, September 19). What is Galaxy Gas and Why Is It Dangerous? Parents. https://www.parents.com/what-is-galaxy-gas-8714373
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(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)