'Poppers' have emerged as an election issue. But what are they?

• 2 years ago
• Radio
• Duration 9:03

Poppers, a common name for the drug alkyl nitrite, have been essentially banned in Canada since 2013. Despite that, they've thrived in the grey market and are an open secret within in LGBTQ communities. Earlier this month, Conservative Party Leader Erin O'Toole made headlines when he hinted that his government would be open to legalizing poppers. Writer and LGBTQ history podcaster Adam Zmith explains the drug's history and why in many cases, even people who use poppers don't know much about them.