The “Galaxy Gas” trend is causing controversy on social media

New Michigan laws regulating whippets take effect in June

“Galaxy Gas” is a new twist on an old drug – nitrous oxide, also known as nitrous oxide or by the nickname “Whippets.” Marketed in colorful cylinders as whipped cream capsules with flavors such as “mango smoothie” and “vanilla cupcake,” these pressurized nitrous oxide products are intended for culinary use. Galaxy Gas is just one of many nitrous oxide brands, and on social media the name has become a catch-all for nitrous oxide products, featured in hundreds of videos of young people inhaling the gas to get high, which potentially dangerous consequences.

Dr. Madeline Renny, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, warned that even one use of the gas could cause significant health problems or even be fatal.

“There can be a range of symptoms, from headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations, loss of consciousness, even death,” Renny said. In Britain, the death of a student in 2023 has been linked to nitrous oxide, BBC News reported.

The trend has gained popularity online in recent months as video game streamers, influencers and musicians used nitrous oxide in their content. CBS News Confirmed has dozens of videos on TikTok, YouTube, and some videos show people inhaling the gas as part of a challenge or social media dare. Other videos show songs dedicated to the rush of gas.

Gas abuse is so widespread that several musicians, from rapper Lil’ Gnar to singer SZA, have spoken out against it. SZA tweeted a warning that it causes brain cell death and is “mass marketed to black children.”

In response to concerns, some platforms have taken action to limit the distribution of videos showing people using Galaxy Gas. YouTube, which says it “does not allow content that encourages dangerous or illegal activities,” has added age restrictions to some videos, and TikTok is now sending a warning and substance abuse resources to those who search for #GalaxyGas. However, in reality, users can get around these restrictions by slightly adjusting search terms. Searches for “Galaxy Gas” and slightly different wordings like “Galaxy Gass” and “laughing gas” still return videos of people inhaling the products, and there are still plenty of unrestricted videos of people using the gas on YouTube .

Nitrous oxide is easily accessible

Various brands of nitrous oxide canisters can be easily purchased online from major marketplaces such as Walmart, Amazon, and Ebay. But Megan Paquin, a spokeswoman for the company that makes Galaxy Gas, told CBS News that sales were halted on September 19 “out of an abundance of caution due to social media trends” and that a number of major online retailers have now listed be it as out of stock.

Although most stores require users to be over 18 to order them, they have still found their way into the hands of many teenagers.

Nationwide, more than 25 million people over the age of 12 may have tried inhalants, according to a survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. And data shows that teens ages 12 to 17 are more likely to use whippets than teens ages 18 and older.

Renny called the wave of social media accessible to younger children alarming, saying young people are often less aware of the risk and that a product’s packaging might inspire them to try it.

“Anytime there are bright colors or designs that appeal to teens, it makes them want to try something more,” Renny said. “If something was boring, someone might not be as interested in using it.”

The Food and Drug Administration regulates nitrous oxide as a food product and believes that it is generally considered safe for proper consumption when of appropriate purity. Misuse of the gas is considered a crime in many states.

Who owns Galaxy Gas?

According to CBS News, Galaxy Gas, LLC was founded in 2021 and registered to Khalil Amor, who is also listed as co-owner of a chain of smoke and vape shops with more than 65 locations. After the product began trending on social media, Galaxy Gas posted a disclaimer on their website warning that using their products as inhalants was illegal.

“While Galaxy Gas has been the focus of many news reports and social media videos, many of the videos show individuals abusing other, unrelated nitrous oxide products. Galaxy Gas is neither the only nor the largest brand of nitrous oxide,” Paquin said.

The nitrous oxide tanks shown in online videos are large, some holding more than 1 liter, and could yield thousands of servings of whipped cream if used for culinary purposes. When asked in what situation would someone need that much whipped cream, Paquin stated that the product is sold in vape and sex shops because it is intended as an “erotic culinary lubricant” and that some people may need that much for their purposes .

What to do in an emergency?

In an emergency situation, if a person suspected of using inhalants is unconscious, Renny said the first step is to perform CPR and then call 911 for help.

Another important prevention measure is simply to have open conversations with young people about the trends they encounter online.

“Doctors, schools and parents can all be involved,” Renny said. “Especially given social media trends that we know are dangerous.”

The crackdown on Galaxy Gas and other nitrous oxide content came only after several calls for change from celebrities, influencers and parents. As dangerous social media trends continue to emerge online, parents and healthcare professionals must remain vigilant and on the lookout for potentially harmful information about the apps children use every day.

Cait Bladt

contributed to this report.