Opium poppy

Definition
This section has been translated automatically.

An annual species belonging to the poppy family. The plant grows to a height of 30 to 1.30 m with blue-green frosted stems and leaves, as well as purple to white petals with a large ovary in the center and a strong taproot. All parts of the plant contain a white milky sap. Up to 40,000 roundish, graphite-grey seeds can be found under the star-shaped ovary cover, which remain germinable for decades. Flowering time: June to August, fruit ripening: August to September.

In contrast to the opium po ppy, the white milky sap contained in all parts of the plant is used to produce opium, see also opiates. Flowering time is June to August. Opium poppy is of pharmaceutical importance for the production of opium, which is obtained from the dried milky sap (opium crudum) of the unripe capsules. Drying and oxidizing the milky sap produces the raw opium, which is then used pharmaceutically.

Opium may not be used phytotherapeutically due to its strong narcotic effect; it is subject to the Narcotics Act.

HMPC: not processed

ESCOP: not processed

Commission E: not processed

Food: Poppy seeds are widely used in pasta, bread rolls, cakes or as oil. The poppy seeds used here have a low morphine content, which is also rendered ineffective by heating. Frequently used: e.g. blue poppy seeds. In Germany, the upper limit of 4 μg morphine/g poppy seed applies to the food industry. It should be noted that imported poppy seeds may be contaminated with the morphine-containing milky sap of the plant.

Note(s)
This section has been translated automatically.

It should be noted that after consuming 100-200g of poppy seeds, e.g. 2-4 pieces of poppy seed cake, a morphine level > 10 ng/ml may be detectable in the blood serum even after 4 hours, making it an offense when checked by the police. The currently recommended limit value in road traffic is 10 ng free morphine/ml. It should also be noted that drug tests can be influenced, which is why baked goods containing poppy seeds are generally prohibited in German prisons.