Of recent, TikTok users have been thrilled to see some of their favourite make-up products and clothing items for as little as 99p being advertised on the platform. The well-known Banana setting powder was listed, while stylish cargo trousers can be found for just a fraction of high-street prices. However, TikTok have now permitted the sale of nitrous oxide on their platform, a recreational drug, which has caused widespread damage to a number of users

The act of breathing in the gas creates a short but powerful ‘high’ that has been proven to cause severe health complications, including paralysation. Known also as canisters, smart whips, and laughing gas, the mainstream sale of this drug raises an interesting conversation about the level of accountability TikTok may now hold for those who unfortunately experience these life-altering damages.

Quite understandably, TikTok have fed off several trends that have been taken up by society in an effort to increase their profits. However, the platform’s decision to capitalise from the UK’s growing culture of glorified drug use has been seen as a step too far.

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Influencers have even begun to warn their followers against the drug. MissRFabulous AKA Renee, has recently had to undergo surgery and a long stay in hospital after an evening using smart whips. According to the YouTuber, she woke the next day with severe chest pains in her stomach, pelvis, and a high temperature. After visiting a hospital she would discover that her appendix had burst. Renee told fans that the doctors had informed her that each balloon she had experienced brought her appendix one step closer to failure.

Amongst the plethora of TikTok content glamorising the use of balloons, there are also several videos detailing why people should stay away from the gas. However, with 32.5% of users being between the ages of 10-19, it seems unlikely that these warnings will be enough to prevent the use of this drug.

Gone are the days of sourcing smart whip dealers with friends or taking a trip to the specific off-license in your area that sell them. Now TikTok are offering to have the drug delivered straight to a users door.

The revelation of this new addition to the TikTok shop begs the question – what will be next?

Is it morally wrong that TikTok are ignoring the clear physical health ramifications of a product for their own financial gain?

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