A once-familiar drug is making headlines once more — and it’s alarming medical professionals.

Nitrous oxide, often referred to by names such as laughing gas and hippy crack, is an inhalant that is typically utilized by medical professionals, but is gaining traction on social media platforms like TikTok.

In a viral TikTok post with more than 4.4 million views, Hootie Hurley, part of a DJ duo that often performs at college parties, described witnessing inhalant misuse at a fraternity party.

“We entered the president’s quarters (at the fraternity) … and there were three guys carrying Butane tanks,” Hurley recounted. “They were shouting, ‘keep it going, keep it going!’” as a student inhaled the gas. He observed the student momentarily lose consciousness; later, he encountered another woman engaged in the same risky behavior, illustrating that this issue spread beyond just one group or fraternity.

Inhalant misuse is not a new phenomenon. Experts in drug abuse believe that the rise of smoke shops and the ease of online purchasing have made it simpler for individuals to obtain large quantities of nitrous oxide. Concurrently, social media, even when sharing negative experiences, has encouraged more young people to experiment and normalized the practice.

What Effects Does Nitrous Oxide Have as a Drug?

Nitrous oxide serves as a brief sedative that impacts the nervous system by limiting oxygen to the brain, which creates a euphoric sensation. It can result in temporary issues like blurred vision and slurred speech, along with feelings of nausea and drowsiness. More serious risks include heart failure and long-standing difficulties with memory, attention, and judgment, as highlighted by the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Additionally, prolonged inhalant use can lead to issues like mood swings and anxiety disorders, including depression.

“For extensive high-volume, long-term use, users can experience nerve and cognitive function impairment,” cautions Dr. John Carl, a Pediatric Pulmonologist at the Cleveland Clinic.

The drug is frequently found in small cartridges known as whippets or whip-its, named after the chargers that help dispense whipped cream from cans. However, some users, like those mentioned by Hurley, inhale directly from larger tanks, heightening the associated risks.

While it’s legal to sell and buy nitrous oxide for its proper usage, certain states have banned its recreational consumption. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) governs nitrous oxide as part of its Food Drug and Cosmetics Act.

Increasing Use Among College Students

This isn’t the first time nitrous oxide has made waves. During Mardi Gras last February, footage showed numerous steel cartridges scattered around fraternity houses at Tulane University.

“I didn’t know what whippets were until I arrived at Tulane,” remarked sophomore Alya Satchu, who noted how the streets near campus were filled with “tiny, discarded metal canisters” throughout the celebrations. “I’ve grown accustomed to this being part of the culture at Tulane.”

West Virginia University also reported a rise in injuries related to mouth and throat caused by inhalant use in October 2024, warning students about possible frostbite and cold burns on their mouths, throats, and fingers due to the cold nature of nitrous oxide.

According to Dr. Carmen Burrell, Medical Director of Student Health and Urgent Care at WVU, the majority of these injuries were linked to whippets.

Inhalant Misuse is Rebounding, Experts Say

Huffing isn’t a new trend. Back in the 1990s, an episode of “7th Heaven” depicted teenagers getting high on paint fumes, which was shown in schools as a cautionary tale.

Today’s trends are not much different.

Inhalants include a variety of aerosols and gases such as halothane, nitrous oxide, and butane, as recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. While the abuse of substances like glue and markers was portrayed in 1990s and 2000s media, the current focus has shifted predominantly to gas, particularly nitrous oxide, among teenagers and young adults.

Nonetheless, inhalant misuse remains less common than party substances like ecstasy or cocaine. In 2023, under 1% of individuals aged 12 and older acknowledged inhalant use. Unlike those drugs, nitrous oxide leaves no detectable trace, making it easy to avoid being caught in standard drug tests.

Burrell pointed out that the online availability of whippets has simplified the process for students looking to buy nitrous oxide in bulk. The low cost of the product adds to its attraction.

Websites such as Miami Magic Infusions and Galaxy Gas offer whipped cream dispensers and nitrous oxide canisters marketed for culinary purposes, but online videos reveal a growing trend of users exploiting these items, which are designed with vibrant colors and fruity flavors.

Tulane University School of Social Work Dean Patrick Bordnick, who studies addiction, believes that such marketing strategies foster the misleading notion that this practice is safe.

“Drawing parallels, this is similar to the initial e-cigarette market, which started with only menthol and standard flavors before incorporating enticing options like cotton candy and blue raspberry to attract young audiences,” Bordnick notes. “We are creating flavors and packaging that clearly appeal to non-professionals.”

Encouraging Dialogue Between Parents and Children

For worried parents, increasing awareness and initiating conversations is crucial.

Carl emphasizes that it’s important for parents to discuss nitrous oxide with their children while considering the unique pressures young people face today.

“There is an overwhelming amount of stress and depression, and many are seeking an escape,” says Carl. The rise in nitrous oxide use aligns with the escalating levels of anxiety, depression, and mood disorders among young adults.

As parents engage in discussions about drugs with their kids, it’s vital to keep mental health issues in mind.

Hale’s coverage of youth mental health is supported by a grant from Pivotal Ventures. Pivotal Ventures does not influence editorial content. Follow her on X @rachelleighhale.