Originally developed in the 19th century as a treatment for the heart conditions like angina, poppers eventually found their way into the queer party scene, particularly in the 1970s and beyond. Their popularity surged as they became a fixture in gay clubs and bars, where they were used to enhance music, dancing, and intimacy.
In the U.S., poppers exist in a complicated legal space. While some forms of alkyl nitrites have been banned since the late 1980s, manufactures have found ways to skirt regulations by slightly altering their chemical formulas. Instead of selling poppers as drugs for human uses, companies label them as “room deodorizers,” “leather cleaners,” or “video head cleaners,” allowing them to be sold at adult stores, sex shops, and online retailers.
Many people assume that poppers are relatively harmless, especially since they are not physically addictive in the way that opioids or stimulants can be. However, they are not risk-free, and side effects can include vision loss, oxygen deprivation, and headaches. Using poppers also can put an individual at high risk for sudden blood pressure drops, and this can be especially dangerous for people with pre-existing heart conditions.
In March 2025, the FDA intensified its regulatory actions on poppers, leading to the shutdown of Double Scorpio, one of the most well-known poppers manufacturers. The agency has cited concerns over health risks and improper marketing of these substances. Other brands, including Rush and Jungle Juice, have also been targeted, with some being removed from online sales platforms.
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, this crackdown raises concerns. Some see it as an effort to regulate a potentially dangerous product, while others feel its unfairly targets queer culture and sexual practices. One major concern is that making poppers harder to access through legal and regulated vendors could push users toward unsafe alternatives. Unregulated or counterfeit poppers could be contaminated with toxic substances, increasing health risks rather than reducing them.
If you choose to use poppers, there are steps you can take to reduce potential harm. Know the risks, and be aware of how poppers affect your body, especially if you have heart or respiratory issues. Avoid mixing with other substances, and never use viagra with poppers or any other blood-pressure lowering medications. Use in moderation, and give your body time to recover between uses. Most importantly, recognize the warning signs, and if you experience severe dizziness, chest pain, or vision problems, please seek medical help immediately.
Poppers have been a part of the LGBTQ+ culture for generations, and the recent crackdown highlights the need for informed discussions about their use. While it is important to acknowledge the risks, an outright ban could do more harm than good by driving the market underground. Instead of pushing users toward potentially unsafe alternatives, harm reduction strategies and open education should be prioritized.
As we continue to see these changing regulations take effect, the LGBTQ+ community must advocate for balanced policies that prioritize both safety and personal autonomy. Understanding poppers, their effects, and the risks they carry its the first step toward making informed choices and these are choices that should be rooted in knowledge, not stigma.
Photo Credit: Claude Truong-Ngoc / Wikimedia Commons
