Current:Home > MyWhat is Galaxy Gas? New 'whippets' trend with nitrous oxide products sparks concerns-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
What is Galaxy Gas? New 'whippets' trend with nitrous oxide products sparks concerns
View Date:2025-01-12 21:51:50
Inhaling nitrous oxide can cause fainting, heart attacks and a litany of other health-related issues. Still, the dangers have not prevented misuse by young people (and perhaps even celebrities) who have recently discovered a product called Galaxy Gas to use for "whippets."
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is typically used as a sedative to help relieve anxiety and nerves, according to the Cleveland Clinic. When the gas is administered to patients, in either dental or medical offices, it "slows down (the) nervous system and induces a sense of calm and euphoria," the medical center says.
But in a long-standing and ill-advised trend, many people, often teens, have decided to inhale the gas outside of medical and dental professionals' purview to chase that "euphoria." This level of recreational use has led to the term "whippets." While whippets have been around for years, Galaxy Gas is a nitrous oxide product that influencers, celebrities and teenagers have been spotted using across social media in recent months.
Here's what to know about the latest product tied to the harmful trend.
What is Galaxy Gas?
Atlanta-based company Galaxy Gas sells whipped cream dispensers, nitrous oxide tanks and whipped cream chargers intended for chefs, barista and other professionals to use for culinary creations.
The company is aware of possible misuse as visitors to its website are met with a disclaimer saying, "Products containing nitrous oxide are sold solely as a food processing propellant for whipped cream and culinary food use only. It is unlawful for a person to purchase products containing nitrous oxide for any purpose not intended herein and legally authorized."
"Intentional misuse or inhalation of contents is prohibited and poses a serious health hazard," the disclaimer adds. "You understand that unlawful use is strictly prohibited and expressly agree to hold the retail seller, distributor, and/or manufacturer of this nitrous oxide product harmless for any injuries, damages or claims arising from misuse of such products." Visitors must select "Yes" before entering the site.
The company's nitrous oxide products range from $35 to $90 and are decorated with colorful and space designs.
Galaxy Gas condemns misuse of its products
In a statement sent to USA TODAY on Tuesday, Galaxy Gas reiterated its disclaimer and shared concern about recent social media trends.
"Nitrous oxide is commonly used in food and beverage products and by professional chefs to create creamier, tastier cold brew coffees, desserts, sauces and more," the statement, provided by Galaxy Gas spokesperson Megan Paquin, said. "The unlawful misuse of nitrous oxide products poses a serious health hazard. Galaxy Gas products are for responsible culinary use only, and we are deeply concerned about the recent news reports and social media posts of individuals illegally misusing our products."
"Both our terms of use and conditions of sale strictly prohibit unlawful use, misuse or appeal to children. If you or someone you know is misusing a nitrous oxide product, please call or text the Crisis Lifeline at 988 for assistance connecting with substance abuse resources."
Why has Galaxy Gas become a trend?
Interest in Galaxy Gas has increased as nitrous oxide use has become more prevalent among celebrities, including Kanye West, now known as Ye, and others who have been rumored abusers of the gas.
Rumors of Ye being addicted to nitrous oxide began to spread when Milo Yiannopoulos, the former chief of staff of his Yeezy clothing company, posted a screenshot on X in August that appears to show the rapper asking a doctor for the gas in text messages. Ye has not publicly said if he uses or has used the gas for recreational purposes.
To avoid the spread of the alarming trend, TikTok has banned searches for "whippets" and "Galaxy Gas."
"Be informed and aware," TikTok's warning says when anyone searches "whippets" or "Galaxy Gas." "Some substances can be dangerous when used or misused. Learn more about how drugs, alcohol and tobacco can affect your mind, body and behavior."
SZA says Galaxy Gas is being mass-marketed to Black children
Singer SZA spoke out on Galaxy Gas last week and accused its products of being mass-marketed to Black children. "Somebody protect the children," SZA wrote on X. The "Snooze" singer also questioned the products' "childlike" and brightly colored designs, saying the marketing is "spooky."
"You tryna entice the kids on purpose?" the singer's X post continued.
Is Galaxy Gas illegal?
Selling and purchasing nitrous oxide is not illegal. Whippets are also not regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and are not controlled by the Controlled Substance Act.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates nitrous oxide under its Food Drug and Cosmetics Act. Although buying nitrous oxide for its intended purpose is legal, some states have outlawed the gas if its being used recreationally.
In California, it is a misdemeanor to use or possess nitrous oxide for intoxication. It is also illegal to sell the gas to anyone under the age of 18 in several states, including Arizona, California and Connecticut.
Some states, including Iowa, have made it illegal for anyone of any age to sell, use or possess nitrous oxide to unlawfully inhale it. Louisana also recently banned the recreational use and sale of nitrous oxide to people of any age.
A 2021 New York state law banned the sale of "whipped cream chargers" to anyone under 21 to crack down on recreational whippet use and prevent the sale of nitrous oxide cartridges.
veryGood! (5)
Related
- In an AP interview, the next Los Angeles DA says he’ll go after low-level nonviolent crimes
- France heightens security for New Year’s Eve, with 90,000 police officers to be mobilized
- Zoo welcomes white rhinoceros baby on Christmas Eve
- Displaced Palestinians flood a southern Gaza town as Israel expands its offensive in the center
- Black and Latino families displaced from Palm Springs neighborhood reach $27M tentative settlement
- American woman believed to be held hostage by Hamas was actually killed in Oct. 7 attack, spokesperson says
- Displaced Palestinians flood a southern Gaza town as Israel expands its offensive in the center
- Dancing With the Stars’ Britt Stewart and Daniel Durant Are Engaged: See Her Ring
- More human remains from Philadelphia’s 1985 MOVE bombing have been found at a museum
- A cargo ship picking up Ukrainian grain hits a Russian floating mine in the Black Sea, officials say
Ranking
- 2024 'virtually certain' to be warmest year on record, scientists say
- Civil rights leader removed from movie theater for using his own chair
- Wisconsin university chancellor says he was fired for producing and appearing in porn videos
- US military space plane blasts off on another secretive mission expected to last years
- Amtrak service disrupted after fire near tracks in New York City
- Kratom, often marketed as a health product, faces scrutiny over danger to consumers
- Powerball grows to $760 million ahead of the Dec. 27 drawing. See winning numbers
- Bill Maher promotes junk science in opposing lifesaving research tests on animals
Recommendation
-
Jason Kelce Jokes He Got “Mixed Reviews” From Kylie Kelce Over NSFW Commentary
-
These End of Year Sales Are the Perfect Way To Ring in 2024: Nordstrom, Lululemon, Kate Spade
-
Social media apps made $11 billion from children and teens in 2022
-
Authorities investigating 2 fatal police shootings this week in South Carolina
-
Detroit-area police win appeal over liability in death of woman in custody
-
We Dare You Not to Get Baby Fever Looking at All of These Adorable 2023 Celebrity Babies
-
Texas head-on crash: Details emerge in wreck that killed 6, injured 3
-
Social media companies made $11 billion in ad revenue from kids and teens, study finds