What parents need to know

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – Unfortunately, drug abuse is nothing new, especially when it comes to teenagers, but recently there's been a new twist on an old way of getting high.

This happens with a product called “Galaxy Gas,” and even if you’ve never heard of it, there’s a good chance your kids have it.

Teens following the latest trends is nothing new, nor is abusing nitrous oxide or nitrous oxide to get high.

Traditionally called “Whippets” because of the gas found in cans of whipped cream, teens are now abusing a new product called “Galaxy Gas.”

“It’s on my radar, but I just found out about it recently,” Amanda Lennox, coordinator of the West Springfield Care Coalition, told us. “We have a health-conscious teacher here named Dena Polverari, and she is very receptive when I come over and talk to her kids about the current trends. So I went to talk to them about fentanyl and she said, 'Hey.' FYI: Are you aware of galaxy gas? and I was like, “No,” so I immediately googled it and was like, “Oh, they're whippets,” and I was like, not a big problem, and she was like, “a big problem right now,” because they're all talking about it .

Lennox works closely with upperclassmen such as 11th graders Kush Desai and Quinlan Kearney, both peer mentors.

They told us that Galaxy Gas was well known among students their age.

“With galaxy gas, it’s the head rush that people are looking for,” Kearney explained.

“I’ve seen a lot of it on social media, especially on TikTok and Instagram and whatever,” Desai added.

In case you haven't seen the many videos, Galaxy Gas is the name of a company based in the Atlanta area.

Their products include gas and nitrous oxide canisters intended exclusively for culinary use, such as cold brew coffee and desserts.

In light of recent abuses, particularly among children, the company released a statement saying, in part:

“Galaxy Gas products are intended for responsible culinary use only and we are deeply concerned by recent news reports and social media posts from individuals illegally misusing our products.”

It's not easy for Lennox to stay ahead of this latest and potentially deadly trend of inhaling Galaxy Gas.

She knows the same goes for parents of teenagers.

“People make it look like it’s so much fun, so why wouldn’t they try it? So I think parents just have to do their best to stay informed about it and keep the lines of communication open so that when things come up you can ask, 'Where did this come from?' I don't really think that is good for you, and just be curious when you talk to them too.”

Please note that Galaxy Gas strictly prohibits the sale of its products for the purpose of unlawful use, abuse or targeting of children.

The company has also currently stopped all sales of its whipped cream pods.

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