What is ‘Galaxy Gas’ and is the new TikTok trend dangerous?

BAKERSFIELD, California — The company named “Galaxy Gas” has gained attention on social media for selling flavored nitrous oxide and whipped cream chargers.

People on TikTok have been sharing videos of them “whiffing” Galaxy Gas to get high as part of a new trend. The cans are available online or at big brand-name stores.

But physicians warn that there are side effects if people misuse products such as Galaxy Gas.

A whipped cream charger is a stainless steel cartridge filled with nitrous oxide (N2O) gas.

“Nitrous oxide is a gas that helps cream, as well as other ingredients, form into a frothy, whipped state upon dispensing. Compared to traditional whipping by hand, whipped cream chargers are able to increase the volume of whipped cream by 4x. … An average whipped cream charger contains 8 grams of N2O under pressure and is non-refillable,” the company’s website says.

When you visit the company’s website, you must agree to a disclosure statement before scrolling.

“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,” part of the statement on the site says.

Dr. Puja Vithalani, a family medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente, told Yahoo News that there are many side effects of misusing Galaxy Gas.

“There’s a reason why it’s an anesthetic. We use it in dental procedures, medical procedures. They even used to use it in labor and delivery. It’s something that requires monitoring. It’s something that requires oxygen use afterwards… it’s very dangerous to use outside of that,” he said.

Now, TikTok provides a warning stating some substances can be dangerous when you search “Galaxy Gas” in the app.

“Some substances can be dangerous when used or misused. Learn more about how drugs, alcohol and tobacco can affect your mind, body and behavior,” the social media site warning says.