Dylan Bettencourt
A state law in New York has made it illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to buy canned whipped cream.
Anyone attempting to buy canned whipped cream, whether it is for the purposes of intoxication or simply as dessert will have to present their identification cards to prove they are old enough to handle the white stuff.
The law is about teenagers who use cans of whipped cream to inhale its nitrous oxide, commonly known as “whippits” in the United States.
“Inhalants are invisible, volatile substances found in common household products that produce chemical vapours that are inhaled to induce psychoactive or mind-altering effects,” according to a US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) fact sheet.
The DEA added that one in five children have used inhalants such as whippits by the time they reach Grade eight.
Abusing inhalants, said the DEA, can cause damage to the parts of the brain that control thinking, moving, vision, and hearing.
New York senator Joseph Addabbo revealed he sponsored the law change after the streets became littered with empty whipped cream cans.
“The need to limit the access and sale of whippits first became apparent after receiving constituent complaints about empty canisters on neighbourhood streets.
“Used whippits piling up in our communities are not only an eye sore but also indicative of a significant nitrous oxide abuse problem,” Addabbo said in a statement before the law was changed.
The senator added that the youth mistakenly use the whipped cream as they feel it is safe.
“Nitrous oxide is a legal chemical for legitimate professional use but when used improperly, it can be lethal,” Addabbo explained.
“Sadly, young people buy and inhale this gas to get high because they mistakenly believe it is a safe substance. This law will eliminate easy access to this dangerous substance for our youth.”
Image source: @TheSpruceEats
