Tooley says that while alkyl nitrite has never been approved for human consumption in this country, it was only in the last eight years that regulation was enforced. The best-case scenario would be basically to treat poppers very similar to alcohol, or cannabis or tobacco. The agency says people with certain medical conditions, or who use other substances or medications, are at increased risk. ![]() ![]() Using poppers is not without risk, especially when combined with other substances that can lower blood pressure.Īccording to Health Canada, it is difficult to control the amount of alkyl nitrite that is inhaled which could lead to accidental overdose. They add stigma and shame and fear to substance use, and that makes it harder for people to access services, not easier." Why are they so controversial? "Prohibitions don't really help drug users or anybody. "This ties into sort of broader issues around drug decriminalization and legalization," he said. Tooley welcomes the conversation, but says governments need to move faster in order to prevent users' further harm. Day 6 requested a comment from the Green Party and Bloc Québécois for their stance on the issue, but did not receive a response. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)Ī spokesperson for the NDP confirmed that the party would also support a Health Canada study of the issue. That rush can last anywhere from 30 to 90 seconds and helps to relax muscles, which Zmith says can make sex - including anal sex - more comfortable and pleasurable.Ĭonservative Party candidate Michelle Rempel Garner penned a letter earlier this month arguing that Health Canada's ban on poppers stems from the stigmatization of LGBTQ people in health care. "It relaxes your muscles and it's dilating your blood vessels so that your blood pressure is lower and that's taking more oxygen to your brain." "When you sniff the vapour, you get basically a combination of a bit of a head rush and you feel that your blood is going faster," said Zmith, author of the forthcoming book Deep Sniff: A History of Poppers and Queer Futures. It's common for the drug to be marketed as leather or boot cleaner. The drug is typically found at sex shops where it's sold in glass bottles that are often wrapped in brightly-coloured packaging. What are poppers?Īlkyl nitrite is commonly used among gay and bisexual men, as well as men who have sex with men, through inhalation during sex. ![]() The approach has opened a grey market for the sale of poppers in this country, which advocates say opens the door to harm.ĭay 6 spoke with historian Adam Zmith and researcher Len Tooley for a brief history of poppers - and to discuss why we're talking about them now. According to Health Canada guidelines, alkyl nitrite can only be used when prescribed by a doctor, but there are currently no approved products in Canada. Poppers have been essentially banned in Canada since 2013. If you're only hearing about "poppers" for the first time in recent weeks, you're not alone.Īlkyl nitrite, as the drug is officially known, is more commonly known among members of the LGBTQ community and became popular in the 1970s.īut in recent weeks, the drug has also emerged as an election issue.
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