Introduction to the FDA Crackdown on Poppers
There’s a rush on Rush. Stores up and down Santa Monica Boulevard have seen a run on the iconic red and yellow vials this week, as the Food and Drug Administration cracks down on poppers, a product that has long existed in legal limbo.
What are Poppers?
The active ingredient in Rush and other poppers is alkyl nitrite, a chemical that instantly dilates blood vessels when inhaled, producing a brief but intense feeling of euphoria. It also causes a loosening of smooth muscle tissue, including the anus, an effect that has made it a staple of gay sex for generations.
Legal Limbo of Poppers
Although officially banned for human consumption by the FDA, poppers have been sold openly in thumb-sized bottles marketed — with a wink and a nod — as nail polish remover, liquid incense or VHS tape cleaner.
Recent Developments and Fears
But after the FDA raided a popular brand called Double Scorpio this month, many fear the Trump administration is ending the era of tolerance. Within days of the Double Scorpio raid, rival brands such as Pig Sweat, Brown Bottle and Dumb Bitch Juice have also become scarce, many retailers said.
Buying Frenzy
“People are calling asking if we’re out,” said Sandy, a cashier at Smoke 4 Less, who gave only her first name because she wasn’t authorized to speak to the press. “They’re stocking up. Right now we’re capped at 10 at a time, just to keep it fair.” Similar buying frenzies have been reported around the country, with some worried it’s the opening of a new front in a broader campaign against LGBTQ+ people by the federal government.
Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community
“It’s a hit on the community,” said Edward, a clerk at Circus of Books in West Hollywood, who declined to give his last name, citing concerns about the drug’s legality since the FDA raid. “If that’s taken out, they don’t know what’s next.” Roughly a third of gay men have used poppers, and about 20% have used them in the last three months, according to a 2020 report in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs and a 2018 study in the Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services.
Usage and Perception
“I describe it to people as a muscle relaxant,” Edward said. “It helps with anal sex for people whose bodies are more sensitive.” The bottles are popular enough to enjoy pride of place beside the cash register, and top billing on Circus of Books’ Instagram grid. Still, no one asking for poppers is likely to get them.
History of Poppers
Amyl nitrites emerged in the 19th century as an early treatment for chest pain and asthma attacks. According to a 2024 paper in the California Law Review, they were made over the counter in the ’60s, then taken back under prescription at a manufacturer’s request after gay nurses helped popularize recreational use. Amyl was replaced by other alkyl nitrites, sold under many of the same brands still in sex-shop vitrines today.
Marketing and Sales
Everett Farr III, a longtime maker of Rush-branded nail polish remover, is credited as a pioneer in rebranding. He noted there have been several past crackdowns, and cautioned one FDA raid doesn’t necessarily spell the end. “This is not my first rodeo,” said Farr. “It’s been pursued religiously before.” But to many, this moment feels different.
Concerns and Speculations
Trump has taken action on a range of gay and transgender issues, blocking gender-affirming therapies for children and military veterans, effectively halting a global AIDS prevention program, and weighing drastic cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s HIV division that would kneecap domestic efforts to end the disease. “If that’s the weather, then [the crackdown on poppers] is a lightning bolt,” said Adam Zmith, author of “Deep Sniff, a History of Poppers and Queer Futures.” “It’s designed to be intimidating.”
Health Risks and Misuse
Sniffing alkyl nitrites can cause skin irritation, dizziness, low blood pressure, headaches and other unpleasant side effects. Drinking them — even in tiny amounts — causes a type of blood poisoning that turns victims blue from sudden hypoxia. “Even a couple drops are enough to make you sick,” said Dr. Joseph J. Palamar, an associate professor in population health at NYU Langone Health.
Conclusion
The FDA crackdown on poppers has prompted a rush on the popular gay party drug, with many fearing that the Trump administration is ending the era of tolerance. While the health risks associated with poppers are real, many experts worry that a broad crackdown could force the market underground, diverting users to riskier drugs. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the FDA will proceed and what the ultimate impact will be on the LGBTQ+ community.
FAQs
- Q: What are poppers and how are they used?
A: Poppers are small bottles of liquid that contain alkyl nitrites, which are inhaled to produce a brief feeling of euphoria and relaxation of smooth muscle tissue. - Q: Are poppers legal?
A: Poppers are officially banned for human consumption by the FDA, but they have been sold openly in sex shops and other retail establishments as "nail polish remover" or "liquid incense". - Q: What are the health risks associated with poppers?
A: Sniffing alkyl nitrites can cause skin irritation, dizziness, low blood pressure, headaches, and other unpleasant side effects. Drinking them can cause blood poisoning. - Q: Why are poppers popular in the LGBTQ+ community?
A: Poppers have been used by gay men for decades as a way to relax and enhance sexual experiences. They are also used by some women as a safer alternative to cannabis and alcohol. - Q: What is the impact of the FDA crackdown on poppers?
A: The crackdown has prompted a rush on poppers, with many retailers selling out of stock. Some experts worry that the crackdown could force the market underground, diverting users to riskier drugs.
