Are Poppers Legal in the UK? Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Poppers, also known as alkyl nitrites, have long been used in the UK as a recreational product due to their fast-acting effects and popularity within LGBTQ+ nightlife culture. But with the rise in regulatory changes and increased interest in the legal status of psychoactive substances, many are wondering: are poppers legal in the UK in 2025?

The short answer is yes - but there’s important context behind that.

What Are Poppers?

“Poppers” is the common name for a group of chemical compounds called alkyl nitrites, including isopropyl nitrite, amyl nitrite, and pentyl nitrite. These compounds are typically sold in small bottles and inhaled for their muscle-relaxing and euphoric effects. They’re especially known for their use during intimate encounters, where they help relax smooth muscles, and for their short-lived yet intense “rush.”

Despite their popularity, poppers have been the subject of ongoing legal scrutiny in the UK and across Europe.

The Legal Status of Poppers in the UK

In 2016, the Psychoactive Substances Act raised concerns among users and retailers that poppers could be banned. However, in 2016, the UK government clarified that alkyl nitrites are not covered by the PSA, following advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), which concluded that poppers do not directly affect the central nervous system and therefore fall outside the scope of the legislation.

Fast forward to 2025: the ACMD has now recommended that alkyl nitrites be formally exempted from the Psychoactive Substances Act by including them in Schedule 1 of the Act. This move would remove any ambiguity and confirm that poppers are legal in the UK when sold and used appropriately.

Why This Matters

This exemption is vital for both businesses and consumers. For retailers, it reduces the legal risk of selling alkyl nitrites and helps ensure a regulated, high-quality market. For consumers, it reinforces access to safe, tested poppers, reducing the chance of counterfeit or dangerous formulations, which are often imported from overseas with unclear ingredients.

Best Practices for Safe Use

While legal poppers are widely available online and in specialty shops, it’s important to buy from reputable UK-based suppliers. Look for products that clearly list the active ingredient (such as isopropyl nitrite or amyl nitrite) and avoid brands with unknown chemical compositions.

Always use poppers in moderation, avoid direct skin contact, and never ingest them. Keep them away from open flames and store in a cool, dry place.

The Future of Poppers in the UK

With the ACMD’s latest recommendations, it’s likely that the UK will continue to permit the regulated sale of poppers. This is a significant win for harm reduction and personal freedoms.

As of 2025, the UK remains one of the few European countries where high-quality, legal poppers are available without fear of prosecution - a position that supports both public health and individual choice.