Grammy-winning artist SZA recently shared a personal encounter where she intervened to prevent a child from using nitrous oxide, commonly known as “whippets.” The incident occurred at an In-N-Out drive-thru, where SZA persuaded the child to discard the canister in exchange for a photo or video. She recounted the experience on her Instagram Stories, stating, “Literally talked a CHILD into throwing away his whippet drugs in exchange for a picture/video at the in n out drive through.”
The singer expressed her concern over the marketing of such substances to young audiences. She highlighted a strawberry-banana flavored canister labeled from the brand SuperWhip, commenting, “Once again, these drugs are clearly marketed to CHILDREN. Really need America to do better man.”
Ongoing Advocacy Against Nitrous Oxide Abuse
This isn’t the first time SZA voiced her apprehensions about nitrous oxide misuse. In September 2024, SZA took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the widespread and targeted sale of nitrous oxide products, like “Galaxy Gas,” to Black youth. She tweeted, “Is no one gonna talk about how galaxy gas came out of no where and is being MASS marketed to black children? The government is doing NOTHING ? .. since when are we selling whip its at the store ???? Somebody protect the children,”
SZA emphasized the harmful neurological effects of nitrous oxide abuse, including vitamin B12 deficiency, as noted by the National Institutes of Health and Cleveland Clinic. She shared a screenshot detailing nitrous oxide’s potential side effects, including neurological and psychiatric harm.
In response to critics who noted that whippets have existed for years, SZA clarified that while the substance isn’t new, Galaxy Gas was founded in 2021 in Atlanta and is now being marketed directly to children, even being sold at retailers like Walmart and gas stations. She urged people to “HELP THESE KIDS” and called the situation abnormal.
Current Endeavors
Beyond her advocacy, SZA is currently co-headlining the U.S. Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar … performances across major U.S. cities through June 18. The duo has a longstanding musical collaboration, including recent tracks “Gloria” and “Luther” on the 2024 album GNX, and earlier hits like “All the Stars.”
SZA’s commitment to addressing substance abuse among youth underscores her dedication to using her platform for positive change. Her actions serve as a reminder of the influence artists can wield in advocating for societal issues.