FDA Issues Warning as Nitrous Oxide Misuse Grows in Texas

Let's face it, we live in a world where drug use is rampant, whether it be legal or illegal, and drug use is prevalent throughout Texas. However, there is a product that people are using to get high. This particular product is something used in the medical and culinary field, and the FDA has just put out a warning on the dangers of abusing this drug.

Nitrous Oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, whippets, Galaxy Gas, etc., is deemed dangerous.  The crackdown on nitrous oxide is happening in Texas.

What is Nitrous Oxide and How Is It Used?

Nitrous Oxide is a colorless gas used in the medical and culinary fields, but the abuse of this product is steadily growing. The FDA issued an advisory that warns consumers not to inhale nitrous oxide from canisters, tanks, or chargers. These types of nitrous oxide come in unflavored and flavored forms.

The Dangers of Inhaling Nitrous Oxide

The inhaling of a nitrous oxide product can cause abnormal blood counts, asphyxiation, blood clots, frostbite, headache, impaired bowel and bladder function, lightheadedness, limb weakness, loss of consciousness, numbness, palpitations, paralysis, psychiatric disturbances including delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, and depression, tingling, trouble walking, vitamin B12 deficiency, and in some cases, death

Nitrous Oxide is sold under these names:

• Cosmic Gas
• Baking Bad
• Galaxy Gas
• HOTWHIP
• MassGass
• Monster Gas
• Whip-it!
• Euro Gas
• Goo Sticks
• Cloud 9ine
• Miami Magic
• InfusionMax

These products are sold on Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and various gas stations and vape shops.

What is Senate Bill 666?

In March 2025, Texas passed Senate Bill 666, which prevents the sale of nitrous oxide to anyone under the age of 21. It also requires stores that sell these products to post warning signs about the dangers of nitrous oxide in both English and Spanish.

The bill also states that anyone who uses nitrous oxide to "get high" is breaking the law because it is an abuse of a volatile chemical.

Read More: Texas Cracks Down on Whippets with New Legislation

Senate Bill 666 will go into effect on September 1, 2025.

What Should Consumers and Retailers Know About Nitrous Oxide Laws?

To sell nitrous oxide in a retail store, a permit is required since it is classified as an abusable volatile chemical. The store must get a Texas AVC Retail Sales Permit from the Department of State Health Services.  The permit is $57 and valid for 2 years.

What was meant for medical and culinary use has become widely abused by people of all ages.

Read More: Texas THC Ban Bill SB3 Gets Vetoed