Poppers 101: What You Should Know

Poppity pop! If you are queer, you probably have smelled, seen, heard of, or done Poppers. They've been around the block & are a common feature at any gay bar, Pride event, club, or often seen when hooking up. We have the rundown on this potent drug & after you're done learning don't forget to grab some of our own Sexy Fun products. 

What are Poppers?

Poppers are a nitrate that gives users an instant high when inhaled. Many items household items include these nitrates including:

• air fresheners
• liquid incense
• deodorizers
• leather cleaners
• cosmetics
• solvents
• nail polish removers

The user will feel an euphoric effect such as a head rush, warm sensations, and the belief is your booty hole loosens up more. Many people who like to fist use poppers for the loosening aspects. I dated a guy who claimed it made him last longer. You'll usually find poppers in small bottles and someone will pull them out of their pocket for a quick sniff. The smell is quite strong so once you know it you'll know when poppers are around. 

The FDA strongly recommends against the use of poppers. Per the FDA website:

“Make no mistake, ingesting or inhaling poppers seriously jeopardizes your health,” Judy McMeekin, Pharm. D., Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs, said. “These chemicals can be caustic and damage the skin or other tissues they come in contact with, cause difficulty breathing, extreme drops in blood pressure, decreases in blood oxygen levels, seizures, heart arrhythmia, coma, and death. Do not ingest or inhale under any circumstances.” 

Wicked Fox does not sell poppers at this time, even though our Daddy Beard Oil has been mistaken for it coming in a cute little bottle. 

The history of Poppers

There is literally a book on the history of poppers titled Deep Sniff: A History of Poppers & Queer Futures. Poppers hit the scene starting in the 1960's and have since become a common feature at gay bars, pride events, nightclubs, & bathhouses. You do see them popping up from time to time in pop culture including celebrities & TV shows making referenes.

Like most substances, users are using them for that high. Queer men especially were ones to snatch up poppers because of the long-standing homophobia & challenges of being rejected by our families. Poppers give users a warm sensation that while it may not last long for a user, it is easy to grab and sniff at a club.

Poppers can be found at many sex shops or other LGBTQ establishments. They may be called something else like Nail Polish Remover or VHS Cleaner. Some countries such as Canada have banned the sale of poppers, while others like Australia have legalized. Of course this information can change depending on your locality so if you are unsure whether poppers are legal - Google it. :)

Another reminder, here in the USA, the FDA strongly recommends against the use of poppers. 

Side Effects of Poppers

Poppers dilate your blood vessels. Because of this, your blood pressure can plummet resulting in that lightheaded feeling. Now there are of course many serious potential health risks associated such as fainting, seizures, allergic reactions, or something far worse. Some folks say they just get a slight headache or feeling light headed when using poppers. Yet another disclaimer: the FDA strongly recommends against the use of poppers. 

Of course some like to use poppers especially in a group setting.

The Bottom Line

Poppers have been around since the 60's and are probably here to stay. There are some folks who create their own formulas to give various highs or scents. You can find them at many sex shops, but they might be called nail polish remover or something else. Some sex shops can't sell or won't sell if you use the term "poppers" so be aware of that. Just keep in mind what the FDA & other health authorities have said when it comes to inhaling poppers.