Starting Monday, New Yorkers will have to show their ID if they want to buy spray cans of whipped cream. The reason is none other than to prevent its use as a narcotic by adolescents who inhale the nitrogen oxide contained within the vials.
The law was already approved last year and has been in force since November 2021, but it has not started to be applied until this Monday. The initiative was promoted by New York Democratic Senator Joseph Addabbo after verifying that the irregular use of these bottles by adolescents was widespread.
From now on, whoever wants to buy these cans of whipped cream will have to show a valid identity document that proves that they are over 21 years old, as is the case with alcoholic beverages and tobacco. Any business that sells these products to those under 21 is subject to a fine of $250, or $500 if it is a repeat offender.
Nitrogen oxide, also known as "laughing gas", is not illegal, and is used to preserve the consistency of cream, but it can be extracted separately and provides a short-lived feeling of euphoria. Anesthesiologists know the product well, since they use it as a weak anesthetic, and warn of its risks when consuming it as a recreational substance.
After inhaling it, the alveoli of the lungs give priority to the gas molecules, depriving the body of oxygen. Hence, the consumer initially feels a slight dizziness, like a lightheadedness, accompanied by a hilarious feeling of euphoria and disinhibition. Used repeatedly, cough, seizures, cardiac disorders, causes low blood pressure, memory loss and even fainting.
