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New Zealand’s Medicines Classification Authority has recommended that Alkyl Nitrites only be available if prescribed by a doctor.

Alkyl Nitrates, colloquially known as ‘poppers’ are known to produce a brief high and relax muscles. They are known to be popular to use as a muscle relaxants prior to anal sex.

The Medicines Classification Authority is seeking input from men who have sex with men (MSM) before a final decision is made. The NZAF, Body Positive and the Drug Foundation have all made submissions already.

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The proposed change would harmonise laws between New Zealand and Australia.

Poppers were close to being outright banned in Australia in 2018 before an LGBT+ community backlash saw the drug listed as available on prescription. 

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