Poppers (alkyl nitrites) are a type of liquid drug that gives a head rush when inhaled. Some use them to enhance sexual pleasure. In some countries, poppers are packaged as nail polish remover, leather polish, or deodorizers to evade anti-drug laws. In the UK, popper use has increased among teenagers.
Legislation of poppers in the UK
There’s an ongoing debate about whether poppers should be considered recreational drugs or illicit substances. Not all poppers are the same, as the strength of them does vary. This is unlikely to alter the legislation as strongest poppers UK legislation will still apply to those poppers of ‘lesser’ strength. Possession of poppers is legal in the UK but supplying them can sometimes be an offense. These drugs are not regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and that’s why the legality of such substances is inconclusive.
In 2016, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs said that poppers are almost harmless to the human body. Unlike legal highs, poppers don’t fall under the Psychoactive Substances Act because they have limited effect on the central nervous system. However, in 2018, the court of appeal confirmed that all substances with indirect effects on the central nervous system should be part of the legislation. Some MPs heavily criticized this move – some vowed to seek ACMD’s advice on an exemption. There were also a few safety concerns. Some experts suggested that sniffing poppers can be dangerous for people with anemia and heart problems.
Since poppers are not regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Act, they are not entirely illegal to use, but the lawfulness remains uncertain. Users across the UK can now sigh relief at the legality of products containing alkyl nitrites.
Legislation of poppers in the USA
In the US, it’s illegal to sell poppers as a recreational drug. However, the small bottles can be sold as leather cleaners, nail polish, liquid incense, etc. The FDA does not regulate poppers and warns against giving such substances to someone under the age of 18. However, poppers remain popular in party spaces and the LGBTQ communities.
Legislation of poppers in the Australia
Poppers are legal in Australia. They are available in pharmacies but can also be purchased as a Schedule 4 substance. The current laws require users to have a prescription to possess or use the drug. Just like in the UK, it’s not illegal to supply poppers in Australia.
Legislation of poppers in the Canada
Unlike the UK, popper use is banned in Canada. While possessions of such products remain legal, the laws prohibit human consumption. Health Canada has maintained a position that poppers modify the organic function in humans. Since 2013, the government has taken an even harsher stance by confiscating their supply and threatening users with fines or imprisonment.
Why Canada has strict laws on poppers
In Canada, any product that contains alkyl nitrites is considered a drug. However, most people find this indiscriminating, especially towards the gay community. This explains why the use of poppers has always merged as an election issue. The LGBTQ community believes the reasoning behind the ban is flawed.
Popper use is part of club culture in the UK. As it turns out, Amyl nitrite is legal, but supplying them can be an offense. However, it’s illegal to sell poppers as inhalants. To circumvent the law, most vendors sell them as leather polish, room deodorants, and video tape head cleaners. Poppers remain popular among the gay community.