Double Scorpio was a company known for its poppers—a type of inhalant commonly used for recreational purposes. On March 13, 2025, they announced the cessation of their operations following a search and seizure by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at their offices. The company stated that they believed the FDA had performed similar actions towards other companies recently.
Poppers, also known as alkyl nitrites, are chemicals that, when inhaled, relax smooth muscles and increase heart rate and blood flow, often leading to a sense of euphoria. They have been popular in various communities, particularly within nightlife and LGBTQ+ scenes.
However, their legal status has often been ambiguous. Technically, certain compounds used in poppers have been banned since the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 and the Crime Control Act of 1990, but exceptions exist for “commercial purposes other than use in products for inhaling or otherwise introducing it into the human body for euphoric or physical effects.”
The recent actions by the FDA, under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously expressed controversial views linking poppers to AIDS, suggest a more stringent enforcement of existing regulations.
Following Double Scorpio’s shutdown, other poppers retailers have either removed their online presence or ceased operations, indicating a broader crackdown on the sale of these substances.
It’s important to note that while poppers have been widely used, they carry potential health risks, including effects on vision and other adverse reactions. Users are advised to be aware of these risks and stay informed about the legal status of such substances in their region.