18 NOVEMBER 4, 2021 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM
Queens elected’s bill geared toward cleaner
streets and drug prevention becomes law
BY JULIA MORO
EDITORIAL@QNS.COM
@QNS
The law state Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr.
drafted to prohibit the sale of whipped
cream chargers to people under the age of
21 goes into effect this month.
The law, which officially goes into effect on
Nov. 25, attempts to limit young people’s accessibility
to “whippits,” a form of inhalant
drug found in common household items such as
whipped cream aerosols.
Addabbo said that this issue became apparent
after receiving complaints from constituents
about empty canisters on the streets.
“This new law is an important step in combatting
a significant problem for many neighborhoods
throughout my district,” Addabbo said.
“Used whippits piling up in our communities are
not only an eyesore but also indicative of a significant
nitrous oxide abuse problem. This law
will help to protect our youth from the dangers
of this lethal chemical while helping to clean up
our neighborhoods.”
Nitrous oxide, also referred to as “laughing
gas,” is used in dental offi ces to relieve pain but
is a highly addictive inhalant also misused for
its euphoric eff ects. Sniffi ng highly concentrated
amounts is highly dangerous and can result in
death within just minutes of use. It can also cause
irreversible hearing loss, central nervous system
and brain damage, as well as bone marrow damage.
Whipped cream canisters are legally sold for
home uses but have become one of the easiest
ways for young people to get high.
According to the National Institute on
Drug Abuse, this type of drug is one of the
Photo via Getty Images
easiest options for drug abuse among young
children.
The bill was sponsored in the Assembly by
Queens Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato.
Initial violations of this law will result in a
civil penalty of up to $250 and up to $500 for each
subsequent offense.
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