History of Poppers in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 16, 2025

Poppers are recreational drugs that are part of the alkyl nitrite family. Inhaling their fumes causes vasodilation, leading to feelings of euphoria, warmth, and dizziness. The effects are rapid but short-lived. They are considered potentially dangerous for individuals with heart conditions, anemia, or glaucoma. Adverse effects include fainting, retinal toxicity, and vision loss.

1937: Amyl nitrite marketed as prescription drug

Amyl nitrite was originally marketed as a prescription drug in 1937.

1960: Prescription requirement removed

In 1960, the Food and Drug Administration removed the prescription requirement for amyl nitrite due to its safety record.

1964: First documented case of recreational use

In 1964, the first documented case of recreational amyl nitrite use occurred.

1968: Medicines Act

Poppers are illegal under Medicines Act 1968 to sell them advertised for human consumption.

1969: Prescription requirement reinstated

In 1969, the prescription requirement for amyl nitrite was reinstated after observing an increase in recreational use.

1985: The Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs noted in 2011 that poppers, rather than being a psychoactive substance or a legal high, "appear to fall within the scope of The Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1985".

1988: Butyl nitrites outlawed

Butyl nitrites were outlawed in 1988 by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988.

1990: Isopropyl nitrites outlawed

In 1990, isopropyl nitrites and other nitrites not yet banned were outlawed by the Crime Control Act of 1990.

1990: Butyl nitrite sale prohibited in France

In France, the sale of products containing butyl nitrite has been prohibited since 1990 on grounds of danger to consumers.

1990: Isobutyl Nitrite banned in the USA

Since 1990, Isobutyl Nitrite has been banned in the USA.

2007: Prohibition of all alkyl nitrites extended then quashed

In 2007, the French government extended the prohibition to all alkyl nitrites that were not authorized for sale as drugs, but this extension was later quashed by the Council of State.

2007: Isobutyl Nitrite banned in the EU

Since 2007, Isobutyl Nitrite has been banned in the EU.

2007: Reformulated poppers sold in the EU

Since 2007, reformulated poppers containing isopropyl nitrite are sold in the EU; isobutyl nitrite is prohibited.

2011: Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs

2012: Amyl nitrites discontinued in standard cyanide kits

In 2012, amyl nitrites were discontinued in standard cyanide kits.

2013: Health Canada banned poppers

Since 2013, Health Canada has banned all distribution and sales of poppers.

June 2014: Increase in vision loss reported in UK

In June 2014, optometrists and ophthalmologists reported noticing an increase in vision loss among chronic popper users in the United Kingdom. The vision loss was associated with isopropyl nitrite.

November 2014: Maculopathy observed as rare complication

In November 2014, maculopathy was observed as a rare complication of isopropyl nitrite abuse.

January 2016: Motion to exempt poppers from legislation defeated

On January 20, 2016, a motion to exempt poppers (alkyl nitrites) from the Psychoactive Substances Act was defeated.

March 2016: ACMD stated poppers are not in the scope of the Psychoactive Substances Act

In March 2016, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs stated that, because alkyl nitrites do not directly stimulate or depress the central nervous system, poppers do not fall within the scope of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.

April 2016: Psychoactive Substances Act scheduled to be enacted

The Psychoactive Substances Act was scheduled to be enacted on April 1, 2016.

June 2018: TGA motioned to reschedule alkyl nitrites

In June 2018, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) motioned to reschedule alkyl nitrites to be in the same category as heroin and cocaine (Schedule 9).

October 2018: AFAO pointed out the lack of quality evidence provided by the TGA

In October 2018, the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO) pointed out the lack of quality evidence provided by the TGA to justify the rescheduling and that use of amyl nitrites has been stable over the past decade with very little evidence of harm.

November 2018: Final decision on rescheduling pushed back

In November 2018, a final decision on rescheduling was pushed back for further consultation with the public.

February 2019: Final decision on rescheduling pushed back

In February 2019, a final decision on rescheduling was pushed back for further consultation with the public.

March 2019: Public meetings and proposals against rescheduling

As of March 2019, two public meetings have taken place in Sydney and Melbourne and along with 70 written public proposals, there was significant opposition to alkyl nitrites rescheduling.

June 2019: Australia decided not to ban poppers

In June 2019, Australia decided not to ban poppers.

2019: Isobutyl nitrite determined as possibly carcinogenic to humans

In 2019, the International Agency for Research on Cancer determined there to be "sufficient evidence" to suggest carcinogenic properties of isobutyl nitrite on experimental animals, leading them to classify isobutyl nitrite as "possibly carcinogenic to humans".