The psychology and sociology of governmental bans and restrictions on amyl and butyl nitrite is worth considering. The usual allegations are that the substance in question has either no "legitimate usage," could be a "drug of abuse" or "is used solely for recreation." The underlying philosophical assumption is that any chemical whose sole purpose is pleasure is a priori wrong. There is a rich, clear Puritanical vein visible here regarding any activity which is not practical and productive. America has a rich Comstockian heritage of banning activities because they might bring pleasure to some other person. In the field of government regulations, significant exceptions are made for the psychoactive drugs used by the dominant population, including those socioeconomic groups which tend to be active in legislative matters and consumers of such products as alcohol, tobacco and coffee. A "drug of abuse" is almost always one which is not in wide use by the social class which aspires to elected office. The social origins of governmental decisions regarding psychoactive substances are worth continuing examination and reflection.