Addabbo Bill Prohibiting the Sale of Whipped Cream Chargers to Persons Under the Age of 21 Becomes Law

Legislation (S.2819-A) sponsored in the Senate by NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., prohibiting the sale of whipped cream chargers, also known as ‘whippits, whippets, or whip-its’ to persons under the age of twenty-one became law (Chapter 515) effective 11/25/2021.

“This new law is an important step in combatting a significant problem for many neighborhoods throughout my district,” said Addabbo. “The need to limit the access and sale of whippits first became apparent after receiving constituent complaints about empty canisters on neighborhood streets,” Addabbo added. “Used whippits piling up in our communities are not only an eye sore, but also indicative of a significant nitrous oxide abuse problem. This law will help to protect our youth from the dangers of this lethal chemical, while helping to clean up our neighborhoods.”

Whipped cream chargers are filled with nitrous oxide which is often referred to as ‘laughing gas’ and popularly used as an over-the-counter inhalant because of its euphoric effects. Dental professionals use the chemical during oral surgery to relieve pain but it is highly addictive and has detrimental effects if used improperly. 

Studies have shown that younger people are most at risk when it comes to inhalants because they are inexpensive, easy to obtain, and may provide one of the easiest ways to get high. The gas-filled canisters are to be legally sold for cooking, baking and other proper home uses.

 “Nitrous oxide is a legal chemical for legitimate professional use but when used improperly, it can be extremely lethal,” said Addabbo. “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.”

The bill (A.754A) was sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato.

“Our bill will greatly improve the quality of life throughout our state by removing the unused whipped cream canisters from our streets, and prevent their dangerous misuse - especially among our youth,” Pheffer Amato said. “I am grateful to Senator Addabbo for his leadership in the Senate to get this bill passed, and look forward to all the positive impacts this bill will have.”

Under this law, which goes into effect on November 25, 2021, an entity found in violation of selling whipped cream chargers to persons under 21 would be subject to a civil penalty of up to $250 for an initial offense and up to $500 for each subsequent offense.