New York stores ban cans of whipped cream from being sold to anyone under 21

To the whipped cream cans marketed in New York contain nitrogen oxide, which, in turn, is used as a narcotic by teenagers. Therefore, a law passed in 2021 came into force that provides for a fine for those who sell these products to under 21 years old. Failure to comply with the law can generate a cost of U$ 250.oo. Keep reading and learn more about it.

Read more: Even moderate alcohol consumption affects cognition, study finds

New York bans cans of whipped cream to anyone under 21

From now on, anyone wanting to buy cans of whipped cream in New York will have to present a valid identity card to prove you are over 21 years old, as is the case with alcoholic beverages and tobacco. In addition, the products will gain a special identification, such as alcoholic beverages.

With regard to fines for those who do not comply with the law, the amount of U$ 250.00 (that is, approximately R$ 1,200) is foreseen for those who sell the cans to the teenagers once and, in case of recurrence, the value will be doubled, that is, the fine will be U$ 500,00.

New York Democratic Senator Joseph Addabbo was the lead promoter of the law that recently took effect. According to him, the new law is an important step to combat a significant problem for several neighborhoods. Addabbo said he became aware of the problem as voters complained about the number of empty cans in the streets.

Deleterious effects of nitrogen oxide

Nitrogen oxide, also known as “laughing gas”, is not illegal and is used to preserve the consistency of whipped cream, however, it can be extracted separately and causes a short-lived feeling of euphoria. duration. When used repeatedly it causes low blood pressure, fainting, memory loss and even psychosis.

Inhalants, while very popular among young people, can be a serious health risk, according to data from a US Drug Fact Sheet. Enforcement Administration, which points out that the abuse of the drug can “cause damage to the parts of the brain that control thinking, vision, movement and hearing."