Last fall, a former Florida pilot was left permanently paralyzed after months of abusing nitrous oxide—also known as “whippets.” Just weeks later, 29-year-old Meg Caldwell died outside a smoke shop in Orange County after inhaling the same gas. And they are not alone. Abuse of this seemingly harmless substance has exploded across Florida, with deadly consequences.

Nitrous oxide is an anesthetic used in dentistry and a food additive in whipped cream canisters. But it’s also being misused on a massive scale. Sold in colorful, candy-flavored canisters at gas stations, vape stores, and even online marketplaces, this drug is dangerously easy to access—and almost entirely unregulated. The result? A 578% spike in related deaths nationwide between 2010 and 2023, and nearly a 60% rise in reported exposures in just the past year.

Doctors at UF Health report seeing an alarming rise in cases of young people suffering nerve damage, paralysis, and addiction linked to nitrous oxide. The drug acts fast, delivers intense euphoria, and leaves no trace in standard drug tests—making it particularly addictive and hard to detect.

Right now, it’s harder to buy a tank of oxygen than it is to purchase nitrous oxide in Florida.

We demand immediate action from Florida lawmakers and public health leaders to stop the non-medical sale and marketing of nitrous oxide. This includes:

• Banning retail sales of flavored or recreational nitrous oxide canisters
• Limiting online access and tightening age verification
• Empowering state agencies to enforce violations and penalize retailers targeting youth

Louisiana has already passed laws banning recreational sales of nitrous oxide. Florida must follow their lead to prevent more deaths and protect our communities.

Sign this petition to urge the Florida Legislature, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and the Florida Department of Health to take swift action and close the legal loopholes allowing this crisis to grow.

How many more lives will be lost before we act?