What does Galaxy Gas do? Are the nitrous oxide gas products, food items legal? The new 'whippet'

The trend of inhaling nitrous oxide gas to create a feeling of "euphoria" — as stated by the Cleveland Clinic — is nothing new, but that doesn't mean use isn't on the rise.

The newest "whippets" for drug enthusiasts come from the culinary world where Atlanta-based Galaxy Gas offers a variety of nitrous oxide products for sale.

However, Galaxy Gas claims the products are not intended for recreational drug use, despite what some say about the company's marketing and complaints about directly focusing on diverse social groups, including Black children.

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Here's what you know:

What is nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a colorless and odorless gas — also known as laughing gas, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

What is nitrous oxide used for?

Nitrous oxide is commonly used for sedation and pain relief, according to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation. The gas may be used by medical professionals for sedation during minor medical procedures, and can also be administered to treat alcohol dependence during withdrawals.

What does nitrous oxide do to the body?

Nitrous oxide reduces anxiety and nervousness by slowing down your nervous system and creating a sense of calm and euphoria, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The gas does not fully put a person to sleep, allowing the individual to respond to questions or instructions.

What are whippets?

The term "whippets" is slang for recreationally used nitrous oxide, according to Bluecrest Recovery Center. The gas can cause some mental and physical impairment when inhaled inappropriately.

What are legitimate uses for nitrous oxide?

According to Bluecrest Recovery Center, legitimate uses for nitrous oxide include:

• boosting car / vehicle performance
• food preparation
• pain relief

Are whippets legal?

Whippets are also not regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and are not controlled by the Controlled Substance Act.

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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.

Is nitrous oxide in whipped cream?

Nitrous oxide is used as a preservative and propellant in whipped cream dispensers, according to drurehab.com. The gas is also used to recharge small metal, reusable whipped cream containers.

How much do Galaxy Gas nitrous oxide products cost?

The company's nitrous oxide products range from $35 to $90 and are decorated with colorful and space designs.

Galaxy Gas condemns use of nitrous oxide products for recreational drug use

In a statement sent to Paste BN on Tuesday, Galaxy Gas reiterated its website 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 have Galaxy Gas nitrous oxide products 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."

Is Galaxy Gas is being mass-marketed to Black kids? SZA thinks so

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 it's 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 younger than 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.

How do I report drug activity in Indiana?

Drug activity can be reported to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana, according to indy.gov. Concerned citizens can also leave a tip with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Adminstration.

Chris Sims is a digital content producer at Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.