Nitrous Oxide

Those who inhale the Gas once, are always anxious to inhale it the second time - Anonymous

Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide

image by: Luke Domingo

HWN Recommends

The surprising history of hippy crack

In January 2012, an attractive woman over 40 and that guy from That ‘70s Show were going through a rough patch (spoiler alert: it didn’t work out). Demi Moore, the woman in question, allegedly turned to the comfort of nitrous oxide, also called “whip-its,” “whippits,” “whippets,” “nossies,” “hippy crack,” and, of course, “laughing gas.”

Moore’s experience with nitrous oxide was not, however, the brief, weightless euphoria that most people report: She collapsed with seizure-like symptoms and was rushed to the hospital. Her subsequent stint in rehab – for eating disorder issues and substance abuse – could have sparked a nationwide soul-searching about nitrous oxide and other inhalants…

read full article

Resources

 The surprising history of hippy crack

People have been having fun with nitrous oxide – even in the name of science – virtually since its discovery more than 240 years ago.

Just Say N2O

Given its myriad uses, it is not illegal to sell or possess nitrous oxide. In the United States, there are however many laws regarding the distribution to minors and the recreational inhalation of nitrous. N2O is a chemical compound consisting of a Nitrogen molecule bonded to an Oxygen atom. Its scientific name is Dinitrogen monoxide, but is popularly known as laughing gas or nitrous. At room temperature, N2O is a colorless, non-flammable, non-toxic gas. Nitrous is commonly used in dentistry due to its anaesthetic (painkilling) properties. At higher concentrations, nitrous acts as a dissociative drug which causes a sense of euphoria and both visual and auditory hallucinations. At high temperature, nitrous decomposes into its component atoms allowing use as an oxidizer or conversion into breathable air. Nitrous is also a greenhouse gas naturally emitted by fertilizer and implicated in global warming.

Erowid

Nitrous Oxide is an anaesthetic gas best known for its use in dentistry and as a whipped cream propellant. It is widely available and its effects are short lasting.

Introducing Stitches!

Your Path to Meaningful Connections in the World of Health and Medicine
Connect, Collaborate, and Engage!

Coming Soon - Stitches, the innovative chat app from the creators of HWN. Join meaningful conversations on health and medical topics. Share text, images, and videos seamlessly. Connect directly within HWN's topic pages and articles.


Be the first to know when Stitches starts accepting users


Health Cloud

Stay Connected