Meg Caldwell’s story serves as a cautionary tale of addiction and its devastating consequences. Eight years ago, she began using nitrous oxide recreationally while at university. Initially, it was a novelty, but her use escalated during the pandemic.
Family Advocacy for Change
Caldwell’s family believes her death was not inevitable. They argue that if manufacturers took responsibility by removing nitrous oxide from retail sales across the US, it could prevent future tragedies. They are advocating for lawmakers and regulators to take action, stating:
"We need manufacturers to step up. They need to stop selling this product."
The Risks of Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, has various legitimate uses, including as a painkiller during dental procedures and a whipping agent for canned whipped cream. However, its euphoric side effects have long posed risks when used recreationally. The rise of vaping has created a perfect delivery vehicle for nitrous oxide, leading to an addiction problem.
Consequences of Misuse
Caldwell experienced severe consequences from her misuse of nitrous oxide, including:
- Temporary loss of use of her legs after an overdose
- Incontinence due to prolonged misuse
- Spending hundreds of dollars daily on the substance until her death
Caldwell died at age 26 after overdosing on fentanyl-laced cocaine while trying another substance called GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), which is also linked to the recreational use of laughing gas. The coroner ruled that fentanyl significantly contributed to her death.
The Escalation of Use
Caldwell initially tried nitrous oxide because it "made me feel happy." However, her use quickly escalated into daily doses costing hundreds of dollars. Her mother, Sarah, revealed that Meg started using nitrous oxide while they were living together during university. What began as typical college partying spiraled out of control.
Availability of Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide can be purchased online without a prescription from various retailers, including:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- eBay
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse
It is also available over-the-counter from pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens.
Retailer Responses
- Harbor Freight Tools: Stated they do not sell products containing nitrous oxide intended for human consumption, emphasizing their products are for industrial applications only.
- Walmart: Did not directly respond regarding the sale of N2O cartridges for human consumption but noted restrictions on shipping certain items internationally.
- Amazon: Prohibits listings related to illegal activities, including drug abuse, and encourages reporting of prohibited listings.
- eBay: Similar to Amazon, prohibits listings related to illegal activities and encourages reporting.
- Home Depot: Sells food-grade CO2/N2O/Argon cylinders for restaurants and bars, clearly labeled to avoid confusion with industrial types. They enforce strict FDA regulations and do not allow sales to anyone under 18.
- Lowe’s: Also sells food-grade CO2/N2O/Argon cylinders, clearly labeled, and enforces age restrictions.
Conclusion
Meg Caldwell’s tragic story highlights the urgent need for change in the regulation of nitrous oxide sales. Her family’s advocacy underscores the potential for preventing similar tragedies through responsible action from manufacturers and lawmakers.
I’m Mark W. Lamplugh Jr., a visionary Chief Executive Officer, Board Member, and best-selling Author with over 25 years of experience driving significant revenue growth and optimizing ROI across the healthcare, wellness, and media industries. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently transformed underperforming operations into thriving ventures by building top-tier marketing organizations, implementing data-driven strategies, and leading transformational change. My empathetic, collaborative, and adaptable leadership style has allowed me to cultivate inclusive cultures of innovation, develop and retain top talent, and forge strong partnerships that fuel organizational success.
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Mark serves on the board of One World for Life, National Fire Heritage Center, and the Institute for Responder Wellness.
Mark (https://marklamplugh.com) is one of the top marketing executives in the United States and has revolutionized how companies reach potential clients thru influence, SEO, social, PR, and traditional marketing. His expertise in Marketing, Social Media, Digital Marketing, and Public Relations has generated millions of dollars in revenue for several national companies. Mark documents many of his techniques in his book “Beginners Guide to Social & Digital Media.” and “Marketing Playbook for Social Media,” which was named the top 100 social media marketing books of all time by Book Authority. He’s also a professional advocate for the behavioral and mental health of firefighters and other first responders. Marks articles have been published in Better Marketing, Startup Magazine, Social Media Today, Kivo Daily, Biz Catalyst 360, Fire Engineering, Firehouse Magazine, and several others.
One of his companies, niches, are marketing products and services to the public safety industry and their employees, specifically mental & behavioral health services. He can be reached for comment at ceo@influencemediasolutions.com
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