History of Poppers

HISTORY OF POPPERS

How a Victorian heart medicine became a gay sex drug

The story of poppers started long before gay bars and small glass bottles. It’s history began as early as when French chemist Antoine Balard first synthesized amyl nitrite in 1844. Even then, Balard noted that smelling the chemical’s vapor made him lightheaded.

Many years later in 1867 in Scotland Sir Thomas Lauder Brunton, began to treat people with the condition Angina with Amyl Nitrite.

To become a popular gay drug

However, from this moment on, it is a long way from poppers to become a popular gay drug. Read more about the fascinating history of poppers. Wake up and smell the poppers.

To treat angina pectoris –  History of Poppers

So, The origin of poppers date back to the 1800s. However, back then it was called amyl nitrite. Originally Amyl Nitrites were developed as a medicine. Which belongs to a class of chemicals known as alkyl nitrites.

To treat angina pectoris

Amyl nitrite was first introduced by Antoine Jérôme Balard in 1844.

Many years later in 1867 in Scotland Sir Thomas Lauder Brunton, began to treat people with the condition Angina with Amyl Nitrite.

Heart medicine

Sir Lauder Brunton discovered he could increase the blood flow to the heart. Thus ease pain as Amyl was able to dilate the arteries to the heart.

The drug company Burroughs Wellcome Co

In America in the 1920s the drug company Burroughs Wellcome Co was licensed to sell Amyl Nitrite by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The medical grade Amyl was sold on a prescription only basis for suffers of angina.

In glass ampules

Patients got there amyl nitrite in glass ampules. Ampoules covered by a cotton mesh that they could snap when needed and inhale the vapours through the nose. So, the snapping sound or ‘popping’ sound when the ampule broke. That gave rise to the name poppers still used to this day.

FDA removed for a prescription

Then In 1964 the FDA removed the necessity for a prescription. It is around this time that it emerged in the Gay clubs of the east side night clubs in New York.

Mr. Hassing and his Locker Room

One of the pioneers is a guy called Clifford Hassings a medical student. Clifford discovers amyl nitrite when it first emerges in the discos of LA. So, he develops Butyl Nitrite primarily for his own use. But later selling it to friends in small brown bottles with the label Locker Room. As he thought it smelt like a men’s locker room.

The company West American Industries

Soon the demand grew and Hassing started the company West American Industries in Los Angles mass producing locker room. Also, shipping it out all over the USA. Soon beyond to be sold in clubs, record stalls, pharmacies, sex shops and even gift shops.

Pacific Western Distributing Corp

Other entrepreneurs were quick to spot the opportunity. As an example, Pacific Western Distributing Corp (PWD) based in San Francisco. So then, PWD by Jay Freezer produces RUSH and bolt as the main competitor to Locker Room.

Already a very wealthy man Freezer invests a small fortune on a massive advertising campaign for Rush. Soon making it the biggest brand in the USA to this day if not the world.

Great Lakes Products

In the 1980s after Freezers death the company is sold to Joe Miller and his company Great Lakes Products. The Company continue to produce Rush and associated products under the PWD name.

The biggest advertiser within the gay community

The true size of the poppers market is underestimated but it is massive. Soon Joe Miller becomes the biggest advertiser within the gay community spending millions of dollars advertising his products.

Miller aware of the legal implications. Also, fearful of government regulation becomes one of the largest financial contributors to the Democrat party in America.

Not for human consumption

This in the hope of steering the FDA away from regulation and successfully slowing down the governments regulation of the products. Especially Butyl Nitrite as the manufactures. Cleverly market them not as poppers and often with ‘Not for human consumption’ printed on the labels.

With the HIV scare

Of the 80s and the incorrect connection between HIV and poppers. Research was being made originally by the National Jewish Center for Immunology and respiratory disease.

Miller himself a gay man donated many millions to HIV research and treatment. Though this is possibly in a attempt to disprove the connection between poppers and HIV. Which at the time will almost certainly result in Butyl being made illegal.

PAC West closed

Unfortunately in 2009 the US goverment came down on Pac West. Also, in mysterious circumstances Joe Miller was later found dead at this home. At first the press reported it as suicide. Press was later retracted and since then there has been a some what of a media blackout. So, the Millers death remains a mystery.

Original no fake it rush – History of Poppers

PAC West closed and now despite many users mistakenly claiming to have original no fake it rush (as has always been the case hence the no fake it campaign).

There are many company’s around the world producing Rush. Also, with the chemicals being used varying from manufacturer to manufacturer some using true Amyl Nitrite.

The UK and Europe

Also, Poppers emerged too in the UK and Europe in the gay discos of the 1970s. Also, followed much the same route as America. With local entrepreneurs setting up business and producing brands.

The medicines Control Agency

In 1999 the medicines Control Agency took some of the manufactures in the UK to court for selling Isobutyl Nitrite.

Manufactures switched to Isopropyl Nitrite

The products were not Amyl Nitrite and therefore not true poppers and could be legally sold. A later EU ruling made Isobutyl illegal throughout the UK and Europe. So manufactures switched to Isopropyl Nitrite now widely available.

UK government again attempted to ban poppers

In 2016 the UK government again attempted to ban poppers including them. In the Psychoactive Substances Act a bill meant to outlaw so called legal highs such as spice.

In a last minute

In a last minute reprieve after outrage in the gay community and government lawyers fearing a legal battle with the manufactures. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs released a statement. After a comprehensive study poppers where not psychoactive and did not stimulate or depress the central nervous system.

The popularity of poppers style aromas remains to this day

The gay community especially found of there enhancement of sex with the increase of blood pressure relaxing the anus. Also, easing discomfort during anal sex. Wherefore, both gay and straight enjoy heightened sexual excitement and pleasure from their use.

More interesting articles

Best Poppers guide and Amyl Nitrite Guide

9 Secrets You Didn’t Know About Poppers

Anal Fisting Guide

What are Poppers

Poppers are liquid amyl nitrites and a common uses inhalant chemical psychoactive sex drugs. Second, poppers are used to intensify sexual pleasure, euphoric effects, for stamina or to loosen inhibitions. Also, relaxing the anal muscles.

Poppers typically are taken as fumes and are inhaled directly from small bottles. Often with a colourful wrapper. They are liquid alkyl nitrites it inhales whose evaporation products through the nose.

Are Poppers mostly used as a Gay Drug

Many say Amyl Nitrite are still seen by as a gay drug. They are used by all gays and heterosexuals and so on. It’s true that they are have long been popular with the male gay community.

Small poppers bottles are sold under several brand names. Read more