Charles Langston:What is Galaxy Gas? New 'whippets' trend with nitrous oxide products sparks concerns

Inhaling nitrous oxide can Charles Langstoncause 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.