The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reportedly raided a leading manufacturer of poppers, a popular party drug known for its euphoric effects and widespread use in clubbing and sexual activities. The raid on Double Scorpio, a poppers producer based in Austin, Texas, is part of an ongoing crackdown on the inhalant, which has long been sold legally in convenience stores due to a legal loophole.
In a statement issued Thursday, Double Scorpio confirmed that it had ceased all operations following the search and seizure by FDA agents. The raid follows increasing concerns about the safety of poppers, which are inhaled for their quick-acting euphoric and muscle-relaxing effects. However, the drug has been linked to various adverse health consequences.
While the raid’s specific motivations remain unclear, it coincides with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appointment as the head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees the FDA. Kennedy has previously made controversial claims about poppers and other drug use, particularly suggesting a false link between poppers and the cause of AIDS. Despite this, the connection between Kennedy and the FDA’s actions remains uncertain.
Poppers, primarily composed of alkyl nitrates, have been popular since the mid-20th century, especially among gay men for their ability to relax muscles and enhance sexual pleasure. Despite their widespread use, the FDA issued a warning in 2021 about the serious health risks associated with poppers. Adverse effects from inhaling poppers include headaches, dizziness, rapid heart rate, and, in extreme cases, death.
The FDA’s advisory highlighted a rise in reports of hospitalizations and deaths related to popper use. These include severe health issues like methemoglobinemia (low blood oxygen levels), brain damage, and significant drops in blood pressure. The risks of poppers are particularly concerning when consumed or inhaled improperly.
Historically, poppers have existed in a legal gray area. While it’s illegal to sell them for recreational use in the U.S., manufacturers have evaded this restriction by marketing the drug as air fresheners or cleaners. Despite ongoing legal challenges, poppers continue to be widely available in smoke shops and convenience stores under various brand names like Rush and Jungle Juice.
Although poppers have long been associated with the LGBTQ+ community and sexual practices, they gained notoriety in the 1980s during the early years of the AIDS epidemic. Initially, there was speculation that poppers might have contributed to the spread of HIV, but research later determined that HIV, not poppers, was the cause of AIDS. However, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promoted a controversial theory that poppers contributed to AIDS, a claim widely discredited by experts.
Despite these risks and ongoing scrutiny, poppers remain a significant part of clubbing culture. As the FDA intensifies its efforts to regulate their sale and distribution, questions about the future of this popular drug remain.
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