Buying whipped cream chargers will now require ID in New York

NEW YORK (Gray News) – You now have to be 21 years old to buy whipped cream chargers in New York.

The legislation, sponsored by NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr., was passed in October 2021.

The goal of the law is to combat the use of whipped cream chargers, also known as “whippits,” as a way to get high.

There was confusion around the language of the bill and some had begun requiring ID to purchase canned whipped cream from grocery stores.

The senator, however, issued a statement to clarify that is not necessary.

“My bill Is not intended to prevent people under the age of 21 from buying whipped cream dispensers, but the small, individual charger or cartridge inside the whipped cream canisters,” Addabbo explained.

The whipped cream chargers contain nitrous oxide, which is known to cause hearing loss, brain damage, limb spasms, heart failure or suffocation when inhaled, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Nitrous oxide is often used during oral surgery to relieve pain, but it is highly addictive if used improperly.

“Nitrous oxide is a legal chemical for legitimate professional use but when used improperly, it can be extremely lethal,” Addabbo said in an October 2021 statement. “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.”

According to the legislation, any entity found in violation of selling whipped cream chargers to anyone 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.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story said customers must be at least 21 years of age to purchase whipped cream canisters. The law, however, does not apply to cans of whipped cream, the sponsor of the legislation clarified. Several stores in the state had started checking identification for purchases.