Social media trend reveals nitrous oxide consumption, lawmakers could intervene

“Whippets” deployment is being eyed by lawmakers

After a surge in popularity driven in part by social media trends, lawmakers this legislative session may seek to restrict the availability of nitrous oxide purchased by consumers.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – A new social media trend is introducing younger generations to a drug commonly used by dentists.

And it turns out that nitrous oxide is easily accessible to just about everyone.

The purchase is legal, but there are consequences

The canisters of nitrous oxide are also called whippets and are legal to buy.

But it can have serious health consequences, which is why some lawmakers want to take action.

Social media sensation

The giggles you see on social media make nitrous oxide look like a lot of fun.

But staggering and falling often occur.

The gas is a mild sedative but has a legal and legitimate use in serving whipped cream.

The chargers are now available in different flavors and inhaling them is the subject of numerous discussions on the Internet.

“I saw it on TikTok, it was a popular video, and I just wanted to see if there were any in Minneapolis,” said a man named Izaiah, who didn’t want us to use his last name but who started the trend Knowledge of FOX 9.

Easy to find

It wasn’t long before 22-year-old Izaiah spotted canisters of laughing gas prominently displayed in a tobacconist’s shop.

You can also order them online from sites like Amazon and Walmart.

“This is easily accessible to a large portion of our growing population and communicated to them through social media and their friend circles,” said Rep. Elliott Engen (R-White Bear Township).

Change the law?

Engen says it should be a no-brainer for Minnesota lawmakers to ban the flavored cartridges and pursue online sales.

He’s not sure a complete ban would pass.

Louisiana passed a total ban on retail sales of nitrous oxide this year, based in part on concerns raised by Dr. Eric Griggs.

“There is a tendency to be abused,” said the community doctor. “It can get to the point where it becomes addictive. It activates the dopamine pathway.”

“Laughing gas” is no joke

According to Griggs, prolonged use can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, which can have serious consequences for your nervous system and possibly even lead to paralysis.

The so-called “laughing gas” is no joke. It is a medical drug and addiction should be treated and not stigmatized.

“The stigma that really needs to be eliminated is based on the perception that this is a safe high,” Dr. Griggs. “It’s not a safe high.”

Minnesota passed “Tommy’s Law” this year, restricting the sale of keyboard dusters, which are like laughing gas in that they have a legitimate and an abusive purpose.

Minnesota’s Tommy’s Law puts limits on wheezing

One man’s deadly battle with huffing could end up saving the lives of others as aerosol sprays now have to be kept behind the counter and only people over 21 can buy them. As part of Tommy’s Law, they are also limited to only purchasing three copies each.