New York Stores Enforce Ban On Sale Of Whipped Cream Cans To Those Under 21

A picture from a store in Albany County, New York, has been making the rounds online because of a startling message on its refrigerator, demanding an ID from anyone who wished to buy whipped cream.

At a Stewart's convenience shop, the notice appears to be posted in front of a refrigerator door: "We will start IDing for whipped cream as of 8/12/22! Age requirement is 21," NBC News reported.

It seems whipped cream buyers will also have to produce IDs, just like alcohol consumers. A recently enacted state legislation prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from purchasing a can of whipped cream in New York because of fears that youngsters are increasingly getting high by huffing the nitrous oxide that serves as a propellant in the bottles.

The intention of the rule, which came into effect in November 2021, is to stop youngsters from using canned whipped cream to consume "whippets," also known as nitrous oxide, Insider reported.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration fact sheet, inhalants are "invisible, volatile compounds present in everyday home goods that emit chemical vapors that are inhaled to induce psychoactive or mind-altering effects."

Faint stimulation, reduced inhibition, and loss of consciousness in the areas of the brain responsible for cognition, movement, and vision are some dangerous consequences of such substances. Speech slurring, clumsiness, exhilaration, and vertigo are also some effects of the inhalants.

The legislation was sponsored in the Senate by New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo. "Nitrous oxide is a legal chemical for legitimate professional use but when used improperly, it can be extremely lethal," said Addabbo in a press release. "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 need to limit the access and sale of whippits first became apparent after receiving constituent complaints about empty canisters on neighborhood streets," Addabbo said, "Used whippits piling up in our communities are not only an eye sore but also indicative of a significant nitrous oxide abuse problem."

Addabbo said the law works in two ways — one to clean up the mess and another to reduce the inhalation of lethal chemicals by the younger population.

Whipping cream canisters will be marked as age-restricted products starting on Sept. 1 in self-checkouts, the New York Post reported. If found selling to people below the legal age, the first-time offender will be fined $250, and subsequent violations can go up to $500 in fines.