Michigan
Whippets ban in Michigan: What they are, why they’re dangerous
Michigan leaders are working to ban all sales of whippets in hopes of curbing the recreational use of nitrous oxide.
Whippets are the small canisters of nitrous oxide found inside whipped cream containers — hence, the drug’s name. The use of whippets, a popular party drug, has been on the rise among teenagers and young adults in recent years, according to U.S. health experts.
When the nitrous oxide is inhaled, it creates a brief high. And while the recreational use of the gas isn’t a new phenomenon, there is a growing concern over just how accessible these canisters are — especially to young people.
Canisters of nitrous oxide aren’t only found in whipped cream; the gas is largely legal to purchase and can be found easily. But there are efforts underway in Michigan to change that.
We’re breaking down everything you need to know about the drug, and the new Michigan law just enacted this week.
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide, also written as N2O, is a gas that is commonly used by dentists and medical professionals. Patients can be given nitrous oxide for sedation or pain relief during minor medical procedures.
The gas is also known as “laughing gas.” When given to patients in a medical setting, the gas is provided alongside a high flow of oxygen, experts say, ensuring oxygen continues flowing to the patient.
In addition to its medical use, nitrous oxide can also be found in food products — such as its use as the propellant in a can of whipped cream. The gas is also used by the automotive industry to make cars go faster.
Recreational use of nitrous oxide
Outside of its professional use, some people also inhale nitrous oxide recreationally to get high. That’s where whippets come in.
“People who use whippets inhale the gas from those chargers [in whipped cream]. Some people inhale the gas directly. Others fill something like a balloon with the nitrous oxide gas and inhale it from the balloon. Or they fill a bag with the nitrous oxide and close the bag around their head,” the Cleveland Clinic says.
Breathing in the undiluted nitrous oxide from whippet canisters can create a euphoric high that decreases physical pain and can even cause hallucinations. This high typically only lasts a few minutes. Some users will continue to inhale from multiple canisters to maintain the high.
The dangers of whippets
Recreational use of nitrous oxide cannot create a physical addiction, but can form a physiological addiction — meaning your brain likes the effect of the drug, and craves it more and more.
Apart from addictions, using whippets can lead to actual physical harm, both from short term and long term use.
Short term use
In the short term, whippets can cause the following symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic:
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Dizziness, faintness and passing out.
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Irregular heart rhythms.
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Headaches.
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Nausea.
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Irritability or emotional dysregulation.
The drug can also cause hallucinations, paranoia, and impairments to your judgement and motor skills, which can lead to accidents and injuries, experts say.
Inhaling nitrous oxide directly from a canister can also cause frostbite on the lips, nose, and throat due to the cold temperature of the gas. The significant pressure of the gas in the canister can also hurt the lungs.
It’s rare, but there have been reports of people dying from asphyxiation due to inhaling nitrous oxide.
Long term use
Doing whippets continuously over a period of time can cause serious physical damage to your body, particularly the muscles, kidneys and liver, officials say.
Inhaling nitrous oxide can lead to a “severe” B12 vitamin deficiency that can cause a serious weakness of the muscles — so much so that it could land you in the hospital.
“In cases of extreme B12 deficiency, people can be hospitalized for long periods of time and even permanently lose muscle function,” the Cleveland Clinic says.
Inhaling the gas recreationally can also decrease the oxygen available in your blood, which can cause organ damage. The lack of oxygen can put significant pressure on the kidneys and liver, damaging them.
Some experts say long term use can also result in brain damage, nerve damage, hearing loss, motor control issues and more.
Why are whippets legal in the first place?
Nitrous oxide has several professional purposes, allowing it to be purchased by medical professionals, dentists, and those manufacturing products like whipped cream. It is not illegal to buy or sell, and possession of the gas is not illegal in the United States.
The gas is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA. Individuals can buy the nitrous oxide chargers for their reusable whipped cream dispensers.
Selling of the gas has become more problematic in recent years, however, given how accessible it is to be purchased for recreational use.
Where do people buy whippets?
Whippets and other canisters of nitrous oxide can be purchased in physical stores and online. Packs of whipped cream chargers can even be purchased on Amazon, or in Walmart stores.
Local 4 reporter Victor Williams was able to walk into a smoke shop this week and purchase a pack of canisters for $25.
The fact that whippets are being sold in places like smoke shops — which appears to fall out of the realm of anything related to whipped cream needs — contributed to a new law enacted in Michigan to help curb the selling of recreational nitrous oxide.
New Michigan law banning whippets
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this week signed two bills into law that bar a person or business from selling objects designed for recreational inhalation of nitrous oxide. The new law specifically bans the sale of objects “designed for inhaling nitrous oxide for recreational purposes or drug paraphernalia.”
Simply put: Canisters of nitrous oxide that aren’t meant for professional use or food products are not allowed to be sold. This law takes effect on June 10, 2024.
Any person or business owner who defies this new law can be charged with a misdemeanor that carries a punishment of up to 90 days in prison, and a fine of up to $5,000, or both. If an adult sells the product to a minor, that punishment increases to up to 1 year in prison, and a fine of up to $7,500, or both.
It wasn’t immediately clear how this new ban would impact businesses in Michigan. It also wasn’t clear if the law would affect e-commerce websites that aren’t based in Michigan, but sell products to people in Michigan.
Some concerns lingered over whether a person or business could claim they didn’t know the nitrous oxide products they sell are designed for recreational use. The law does say, however, that a person found in violation of the ban will be notified at least two days before they face an arrest.
Some other states, like New York, have also banned the sale of nitrous oxide meant for recreational use. One grocery store even went so far as to request identification from people purchasing whipped cream just to be safe — though officials said that wasn’t the intent behind the law.
How the ban will impact the sale of whipped cream in Michigan remains to be seen.
Read: Entire Michigan bills
You can read Senate bills 57 and 58, which were signed into law by Michigan Gov. Whitmer earlier this week, below.
Copyright 2024 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Hello, is it an awesome event you’re looking for? Well, you can see some great options not in a pair of eyes or a smile, but in this weekend planner.
Here is a look at what you can do the weekend of May 15:
Acrisure Amphitheater Grand Opening
It’s been a long time coming, but finally, the Acrisure Amphitheater is set to welcome in its first guests with not one, but two shows this weekend.
It kicks off Friday with a grand opening performance by Lionel Richie. And then on Saturday, catch several local artists as part of the Community Celebration.
Click here to grab tickets while you still can.
Heritage Hill Tour of Homes
Saturday marks the start of the 58th annual Heritage Hill Tour of Homes, where guests can explore some of the historic homes in the historic neighborhood.
One of those homes includes the Voigt House, which was built in 1895 and has not been open to the public in 17 years.
For more information, click here.
Puppies on the Patio at Harmony Brewing
What’s better than a cold one after a stressful week? How about sharing a cold one with your best friend?
You and your dog can enjoy a frosty beverage this Saturday at Harmony Brewing Company with a Puppy Pool Party. There will be kiddie pools, activities for dogs and humans and plenty of aforementioned beer.
Click here to learn more.
WestFest
Spring is in the air and you can tell not by the pollen closing in on us, but by the fact that WestFest is happening for another year.
For more than three decades now, the carnival has served as a way for those living on the West Side of Grand Rapids to come together and celebrate the changing of the season. The funds raised by the event will also go towards servicing families of Sacred Heart Parish & Academy.
Details can be found here.
Creston Neighborhood Pancake Breakfast
On Saturday, the Creston Neighborhood in Grand Rapids is inviting the community to partake in its free pancake breakfast and resource fair.
The event will provide plenty of resources from local organizations, a chance for folks to meet their neighbors and also enjoy some delicious pancakes for free.
More information can be found here.
Butterfly Release in Paw Paw
A special memorial butterfly release will be held Saturday in the village of Paw Paw to help those deal with their grief and loss.
Attendees are asked to arrive before 10 a.m. That is when the memorial service will begin, followed by the butterfly release.
For details, click here.
The Kite Festival at Grand Haven
One of the most visually stunning events returns to Grand Haven State Park Saturday and Sunday with the Kite Festival.
It’s your chance to check out dozens upon dozens of kites soaring through the sky. The best part is that it’s completely free to attend.
You can get more information by clicking here.
Kalamazoo Toy Show
On Saturday, head on out to the Kalamazoo County Expo Center for this year’s Kalamazoo Toy Show.
Kids 12 and under get in free to check out some incredibly preserved antique toys like cap guns, action figures, Pez dispensers and more.
Details can be found by clicking here.
Prom with a Purpose
The signature event of the Momentum Center in Grand Haven is Prom with a Purpose and it’s back this weekend.
The event gives folks a chance at reliving the glory days with a night of dancing, eating and fun. The event helps raise funds for the Momentum Center’s initiatives.
Click here to learn more.
Michigan
Michigan DNR confirms black bear roaming Downriver communities in furthest southeast sighting ever
FLAT ROCK, Mich. (WXYZ) — A black bear has been confirmed roaming the Carleton, Rockwood, and Flat Rock area — the furthest southeast the Michigan DNR has ever recorded a bear sighting in the state.
Watch Jeffrey Lindblom’s video report:
Two black bear sightings confirmed in southern counties
Residents near Woodruff Road first spotted the animal on a trail camera, with many initially mistaking it for a large cat. The Michigan DNR has since confirmed two black bear sightings in the area since Sunday, along with tracks to match.
Dale Hicks, a Rockwood resident, was among the first to spot the animal.
“I looked, and I said there’s a big cat by the double gate,” Hicks said.
WXYZ-TV
Neighbor Carolann Foerch said she was surprised to learn the animal had passed through her property.
“It was here and apparently walking through our back yard. He says, there’s a bear out there!” Foerch said.
WXYZ-TV
Foerch, who is originally from northern Michigan, said she welcomed the unusual visitor.
“I love the bear, you betcha,” Foerch said.
Fellow resident Corry Stanley summed up the reaction many neighbors shared.
“Guess it was a real bear,” Stanley said.
WXYZ-TV
Jan Saintamour, another Rockwood resident, called the sighting “kind of cool. Kind of odd.”
WXYZ-TV
What the DNR says
Cody Norton, a bear specialist with the Michigan DNR, said the sighting is unprecedented for the region.
“This is the furthest southeast we’ve seen,” Norton said.
WXYZ-TV
Norton described southeastern Michigan as far more developed than other parts of the state, making the bear’s appearance in the area without any reported sightings along its path especially unusual.
The DNR reports approximately 12,000 bears living across Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. Norton said the lower peninsula bear population has grown significantly in recent years.
“Our bear population in the lower peninsula has grown about 60-percent,” Norton said.
As bear numbers have risen, the animals have begun moving into areas further west and south. Norton said younger male bears in particular tend to wander in search of territory not already claimed by dominant males.
“They are able to survive and make a living in habitats we previously thought wouldn’t be suitable for bears,” Norton said.
Norton said bears would have historically inhabited this area before development pushed them out, and that as populations continue to grow, sightings in unexpected places like southeastern Michigan are likely to increase.
“Their world revolves around food,” Norton said.
What to do if you see the bear
The DNR says residents do not need to be overly concerned.
“I don’t think anyone should be too worried about this individual bear roaming around in this area,” Norton said.
Norton said there has not been a bear-related human fatality in Michigan since 1930. He added that residents do not need to worry about walking pets or letting animals outside.
However, there are steps residents can take to avoid unintentionally attracting the bear to their property:
- Secure garbage cans
- Manage bird feeders
- Do not leave pet food outside
If you do encounter the bear, the DNR advises against running. Instead, make yourself appear large, make noise, and slowly back away to a safe location.
As of now, the bear does not appear to be bothering anyone or displaying aggressive behavior. The DNR says it will continue to leave the bear alone unless it begins acting aggressively or causing property damage.
Hicks, for his part, said he plans to keep an eye out.
“I’m going to look at it and take pictures of it,” Hicks said.
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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
NOVI — Surprise! Sakura Novi is getting yet another Michigan premiere store with the opening of TESO Life at 42688 Grand River Avenue on May 15.
The 12,000 square-foot store offers thousands of Asian-themed beauty products, collectibles, snacks, beverages and more.
“Hopefully people will like us,” said store manager Jackal Saw. “I’m excited about the whole new culture here and I see a lot of excited customers. I have faith in Michigan.”TESO Life was founded in 2017 and while the company offers mainly Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Taiwanese products that cater to a “global consumer,” it is U.S. based, with headquarters in New York City and stores sprouting up across the east and west coasts, as well as in Texas, Florida and Chicago.Novi is the 27th location for TESO Life, which has a loyal following among Asian populations, but which has fun finds for anyone with an interest in Asian culture, food and fun collectibles.
Among the most popular items are “blind boxes,” in which there are mystery collector items that Saw describes as similar to Popmart, but with different brands, including Care Bears, Lucky Emma, Maltese, Smiski and more.A wide variety of do-it-yourself kits from Rolife line shelves, offering creative challenges.
Snack aisles abound with sweet treats, including freezers full of ice cream specialties seen on TikTok and plenty of refrigerated beverages.
TESO Life in Novi has about 30 employees waiting to greet you and is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
On opening weekend from May 15-17, spend any amount and get a free pin. Guests spending $50 or more will also get a free snack and those spending more than $100 will receive a free gift bag.
Contact reporter Susan Bromley at sbromley@hometownlife.com
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