For decades, poppers have occupied a complex legal space, becoming a widely used and accepted part of LGBTQ+ culture. Now, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is initiating a significant crackdown on their production, sparking fears of a targeted campaign against our community.

This week saw major poppers brands begin to disappear from the internet, scrubbing their websites and social media. On March 14, 2025, Double Scorpio, a popular brand known for its isobutyl nitrite formula, announced on its website:

Double Scorpio brand post on their social media pages.

“Double Scorpio has stopped all operations following a search and seizure at our offices by the FDA.”

Poppers, inhaled liquids that provide a brief euphoric rush, technically require a prescription. However, many manufacturers have navigated this by using alternative chemical formulas and marketing their products as everyday items like nail polish remover or leather cleaner. The reality is, poppers have become deeply intertwined with LGBTQ+ social and sexual experiences.

This crackdown is particularly alarming given the involvement of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees the FDA. Kennedy has a documented history of spreading harmful misinformation about LGBTQ+ people. His 2021 book promoted the debunked and dangerous lie that poppers were a cause of AIDS. This historical prejudice now appears to be influencing policy.

Poppers Industry Scrambling

Double Scorpio’s statement suggests this isn’t an isolated incident. “We don’t have a lot of information to share but we believe that the FDA has performed similar actions towards other companies recently,” the brand stated, hinting at a broader sweep.

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