Nitrous oxide has been used as a recreational drug for centuries, originating in the 18th Century. “Laughing gas parties”, started by English chemist Humphry Davy, were characterized by the silk bags given to guests filled with the gas used to have mystical trips. However, there have been negative effects attributed to this substance; with our modern health regulations, you would think things like laughing gas parties would not be happening nowadays. However, thanks to social media apps like YouTube, X, Instagram, and TikTok, there has been a rise in the popularity of this hallucinogen in the unlikely form of whipped cream.
What Is “Galaxy Gas”, And How Did It Become Popular?
On July 16, 2024, @lostindasouse_kitchen– a promotional Instagram account for a restaurant of the same name in Atlanta, Georgia– recorded a video of musical artist, Lil Tae. “My name is Lil Tae, man,” he introduced himself with a comically low voice; this was misheard by millions of viewers, which gave him the nickname, “Lil T-Man”. He then inhaled gas from a colorful whipped cream canister labeled “Galaxy Gas”, before ending the video by taste-testing the restaurant’s food. Lil T-Man gained over 1.4M likes and brought attention to a local company, Galaxy Gas. They specialize in making whipped cream dispensers and bases using flavored nitrous oxide; however, after the video went viral, these “whippets” came back into mainstream media. “Meme” videos parodying Lil T-Man’s video and displaying people inhaling the gas have taken over social media, including a popular video by TikTok user @scubaryan_, encouraging people to form their own laughing gas parties. Smoke shops are also marketing these whippets, especially to younger people with the bright packaging and a variety of flavors.
Efforts to combat this trend have been made by the company, sending out a warning on its website to remind consumers of the illegal nature of inhaling nitrous oxide, as well as providing resources to help with substance abuse. “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,” a spokesperson said in a recent interview. “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.”
What Does This Mean For Me?
With such a dangerous chemical, we must be aware of drugs and the threats they pose to society. By inhaling nitrous oxide, you are letting it into your lungs, which can cause adverse effects on your health, including nausea, loss of consciousness, headaches, seizures, and if taken too much, brain or nerve damage, paralysis, anemia, and even frostbite. Understanding the risks can be the first step toward drug awareness, and we need to share this important information with others. As a note to our kids and teens, don’t follow every trend you see online, especially those you know are dangerous. Is your life worth a couple of likes?
And to our parents, don’t be afraid to have an open conversation with your kids about this serious topic. And with Halloween approaching, make sure to let them know how to watch out for suspicious candy, and not to take unknown substances from strangers without inspection. By being aware, you and your family can be more prepared!
