What Are Poppy Pods?

Poppy pods are the un-ripened seed capsules of the Papaver somniferum plant. While they are sometimes used ornamentally in crafting, poppy pods can also be used to obtain an opiate high. Because they contain opium, poppy pods can cause many of the same side effects as narcotics like morphine or heroin. Understanding the uses and health dangers of poppy pods allows you to make wise decisions about their use.

Features

• Poppy pods range in color from green to light brown and may be as small as a dime or as large as a golf ball. They produce a sticky latex known as opium that contains many different alkaloids, including codeine and morphine. According to Purdue University, fresh pods are richest in morphine, while dried pods contain higher amounts of codeine. Inside the pods are seeds that can be planted or used for other purposes like cooking.

Uses

• Poppy pods have a long history of human use, and can be utilized for medicinal or illicit purposes. Many prescription painkillers are derived from the alkaloids in poppies, as are narcotics like heroin. Poppy pods can also be brewed into a tea and consumed for their psychoactive effects, which include euphoria and mental relaxation in some users. Like other opiates, poppy pods are an effective painkiller, fever reducer and cough suppressant. The seeds have many culinary uses and are often added to bagels, soups and other dishes for their unique flavor.

Side Effects/Risks

• Like other opiate drugs, poppy pods can cause serious health problems. According to Drug Information Online, dizziness, nausea, and sedation are common side effects of opium. Variations in potency can lead to overdose, especially among inexperienced users. In high doses, poppy pods can slow breathing and heart rate to cause death. Combining poppy pods with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines increases these risks. As with other opiates, frequent use of opium poppies can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Because poppies are a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S., possession or consumption can lead to legal trouble, according to Erowid.org.

Prevention/Solution

• The only way to prevent all risks associated with poppy pod use is to abstain from consuming them altogether. To help prevent overdose, avoid combining poppy pods with other depressants and start with the lowest effective dose. If you're addicted to opium and want to quit, consult a qualified health care professional or addiction specialist. In many cases, gradual tapering is recommended as a gentler and safer method than quitting "cold turkey."