In a world where absurd inventions like goldfish walkers and pet rocks were once known as useless inventions, today’s useless products like Galaxy Gas are hiding a much darker side. Galaxy Gas is increasingly being misused for recreational highs. As social media normalizes and glamorizes this trend, it becomes crucial to shed light on the hidden dangers of nitrous oxide and the risks of its misuse.
Social media platforms have become a double-edged sword in the area of drug use. While they offer valuable spaces for information and community, they also play a significant role in glamorizing and normalizing substance abuse. Often posts are shown to teenagers of someone using these substances and making them a meme, promoting them as harmless or even enjoyable. For example, scrolling on TikTok you will occasionally see videos of someone who goes by the name, “Lil T-Man”. This social media character is shown using Galaxy Gas by inhaling it straight from the can. People often talk about how funny the video is and turn it into a meme but the damage that could have been caused to him is never really talked about. The casual portrayal of nitrous oxide as a fun, easy-to-access high can obscure its potential dangers and contribute to its misuse.
Galaxy Gas, which contains nitrous oxide, was originally developed to add flavor to whipped cream. However, its misuse as a recreational drug, commonly referred to as ‘Whippets,’ has become a growing concern. Nitrous oxide induces a sense of calm and euphoria, but it also poses serious health risks, including nerve damage, impaired muscle control, irregular heart rate, and elevated blood pressure.
Nitrous oxide is widely used in medical settings, particularly in dental offices to alleviate patient anxiety. West Ottawa graduate and dentist Seth Vruggink highlights the dangers of Galaxy Gas.
“I am surprised that products like Galaxy Gas and Whippets are still legal in most states to sell over the counter. I think their potential for abuse and possibly long-lasting damage to users should be cause for better regulation of their sale. As a dentist, I was required to complete 30 hours of training on the administration of Nitrous Oxide to protect the safety of my patients. I am also required to show my State License to enable me to purchase Nitrous Oxide for my office. Having this product available for general consumers can only lead to misuse and abuse and regulations should be considered,” Vruggink said.
Lindsey Montez, a nurse at the Holland Hospital Emergency Department. Montez reported that while cases of nitrous oxide abuse are not extremely common, they do occur. “I’ve encountered patients who abused Whippets and experienced muscle weakness, trouble walking, and abnormal lab results, the effects can be severe and require immediate medical attention,” Montez said.
Galaxy gas is dangerous, but the thing that makes it more dangerous is its marketing. There has never been a demand for flavored whipped cream, yet they are still making a large amount of sales; sure there are some people who use it for its intended purposes. but the gas can come with a piece to attach to the can to 
make it easier to inhale, even though when used for its intended purpose that piece would not be used.
Galaxy Gas represents a troubling example of how seemingly harmless products can be misused with serious consequences. Social media’s role in normalizing this kind of misuse highlights the need for greater awareness and stricter regulations. It’s important for people to understand the potential dangers and for authorities to take steps to prevent the abuse of such substances. By addressing these issues, we can better protect individuals from the harmful effects of nitrous oxide and similar products.
