What the Hell Is Galaxy Gas?
SZA, Lil Gnar, and more have spoken out against the recreational use of Galaxy Gas products. Here, we take a closer look at potential risks and more.
In recent months, you’ve no doubt seen frequent mentions of Galaxy Gas, leading to one of two most likely reactions: Either you’re already in the know, and have perhaps dabbled in some form of whippets yourself, or you have absolutely no idea what the hell anyone is talking about.
For those familiar with whippets, alternatively referred to as whippits and/or whip-its, this controversial pursuit of a brief high by way of nitrous oxide is nothing new. Still, the Galaxy Gas name, specifically, has been all over social media as of late in connection with what some have called out as a concerning trend.
Below, we take a closer look.
What is Galaxy Gas?
Galaxy Gas is a brand based in Georgia, per an official site. Its focus is on, in the company’s own words, providing “premium whipped cream dispensers, whipped cream charges, and all essential whipped cream products.” To be clear, such products are marketed as being intended for culinary purposes only, i.e. not to be used for recreational highs, et al.
On social media and beyond, many have taken to using the brand’s name in a more colloquial fashion, with “Galaxy Gas” being used as a catchall for nitrous oxide inhalants at large, regardless of whether they are actually Galaxy Gas products or not.
What's the controversy?
Again, despite the Galaxy Gas name, the core controversy here does not represent some out-of-nowhere arrival of a new way to get high. No, whippets—a phonetic name inspired by a different brand known for whipped cream chargers, Whip-Its—have long been a source of decidedly brief highs with a typically low barrier of entry in terms of procuring the products themselves.
In short, people inhale the gas, then experience a high some claim can last for several minutes but in actuality is often merely seconds in length. While using whippets in a recreational fashion is itself considered an illegal activity, the actual products are indeed legally available.
What are the risks?
Though rare, health experts have made certain to note that the ease with which one can engage in such a high should not lead to an assumption that doing so is an entirely risk-free endeavor. There have been cases of abuse of nitrous oxide, which is also used in medical settings, resulting in the manifestation of rehabilitation-requiring physical side effects.
A 22-year-old man cited in this paper from 2015, for example, admitted to using approximately 15 whippets per day after waking up one day with “numbness below his knees” and seeking medical attention. At the time of the paper’s publication, it was noted that this individual ultimately saw gradual improvement of his symptoms, though he “still requires a stick to walk.”
Other possible risks often cited by experts include nerve damage, interference with B12 metabolism, fainting, and varying levels of paralysis.
Who's speaking out?
After apologizing for being “old and annoying,” SZA questioned Galaxy Gas’ popularity on social media and various video platforms in a pair of X updates earlier this month.
“Somebody protect the children,” the four-time Grammy winner said, later questioning if those behind the marketing were “tryna entice the kids on purpose.”
Image via SZA
Image via SZA
Image via SZA
Lil Gnar also expressed his disdain for this type of high, jokingly sharing a video titled Lil Gnar Shows How to Use Galaxy Gas. His actual message was made clear in the final moments of the clip, which see him hurling a would-be high supplier into the air instead of using it.
What's Galaxy Gas saying?
Upon landing on the Galaxy Gas site, visitors are greeted with a lengthy disclaimer that reads, in part, “Products containing nitrous oxide are sold solely as a food processing propellant for whipped cream and culinary food use only. It is unlawful for a person to purchase products containing nitrous oxide for any purpose not intended herein and legally authorized. By purchasing products containing nitrous oxide you expressly agree and warrant your possession and use shall be legally compliant and strictly limited to culinary food preparation as lawfully intended and for no other purpose.”
Elsewhere on the site, it’s explicitly stated that “the sale of whipped cream chargers for the purpose of inhalation is illegal.”
Complex has reached out to Galaxy Gas for comment. According to a recent CNN piece, Galaxy Gas has issued a pause on sales of its whipped cream chargers.
Meanwhile, there has been speculation that certain platforms have moved to ban the use of Galaxy Gas. When reached for comment by Complex on Monday, a Kick rep pointed to the platform’s Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. Both mention policies against illegal activities of any kind, though nitrous oxide itself is not specifically mentioned.
