A Mississippi legislator has proposed a bill that would ban the recreational use of nitrous oxide, also known as whippets, for anyone under age 21.
Nitrous oxide is typically used in controlled settings, such as dentists’ offices, to keep pediatric patients calm and in coffee shops to make cold brew smoother.
But when a company called Galaxy Gas used rappers and social media to promote the gas to minors, it caused an influx of kids using the gas in a dangerous manner. The colorful gas canisters led kids to believe the gas is similar to vaping, but with a more intense high.
As videos circulated online, many people saw influencers around groups of kids “huffing” the gas and passing out.
Health professionals say long-term, unregulated use of the pure gas can lead to memory loss and nerve damage. In the most extreme cases, it can lead to death.
USM student Elleanna Perry believes that putting an age restriction on the sale of the gas would be beneficial.
“We need to focus on health if we’re going to make trends that damage kids’ health,” Perry said. “There should definitely be a 21 age limit.”
The bill states it would not stop the sale of nitrous oxide for doctors’ offices and culinary purposes. However, if sold to a minor, it would lead to felony charges.
Some say that whipped cream chargers can sometimes be easy to access in food service environments, with canisters often stored without special security measures, tracking or regulation. Because the chargers are sold for culinary purposes, they are not regulated as strictly as recreational nitrous oxide products. The lack of oversight, combined with workplaces that employ many high school- and college-aged workers, can increase the risk of misuse and highlights concerns about the need for stronger regulation across the food industry.
The FDA has a list of brands to avoid when buying nitrous oxide. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-4357 or visit the website FindTreatment.gov.
