04 Sep 09 For Sale: Poppies

This is something many don’t see everyday. Most poppies users would most likely have their heads turned around, only to read it more clearly, Puppies For Sale.

Since the legal implications of the use and the selling of the product is in close scrutiny, buying and purchasing of these poppies are difficult. Accordingly, users who are in scrutiny, are most likely to itemize justifications for it. What, then, are the Legal Aspects of Poppy Pods?

Poppy pods– having the scientific name, Papaver Somniferum, but is basically just known as poppy or poppies, are the plant’s seeds that have been historically used to generate the narcotic, Opium.

Because of the implications of Opium, greatly considered as a drug, poppy pods are frowned upon by a number of countries and states. With the content of morphine, about 92%, they are commonly illegally processed chemically in order to produce heroin for illegal drug trade. Placing this in consideration, states and capitals would not want to jeopardize the possible risk that this may bring.

Nonetheless, poppy seeds have found a great use in a lot of households and businesses. 

The increasing use of these dried poppy pods have made it increasingly more difficult to find actual growers. As florists, crafter and medical companies find great use for them, it would be an amazement if one could find a legitimate and good source.

So the question, is it legal to buy poppies?  Yes. They are on the conditions that (1) they will be used for ornamental, designing and crafting purposes, and (2) in the treatment of illnesses. It has been a favorite among crafter, as its varying sizes and shapes offer a great versatility compared to almost any other dry floral. Accordingly, dried opium poppy pods are also legal when it comes to the treatment of illnesses. Also, in the use of medicinal purposes, teas and tinctures are commonly used, especially for the treatment of diarrhea, for example.      Hence, you’ll find a lot of professional florists, hobbyist crafter, as well as pharmaceutical companies, looking after these goods.

Many would ask, as well, if it is legal to grow poppies. Yes, again. However, they are bound with the condition that they are privately and domestically cultivated in small modest amount, since they will not be subject to legal controls. Hence, you shouldn’t be surprised when you see them growing in a lot of nurseries and ornamentals, seeing them attractively in varying forms, colors and sizes. But it is noted that the legalities of cultivating poppy seeds are different from place to place. Some countries, as United States, would require to get a license for it, as other countries, as India, would not need that and are free to grow them.

A versatile plant utilized in a wide range of situations. As government, science, medicine, and other fields of interest would always keep a reminder though, it is always wise to know the distinction and difference between use and abuse. With this reminder, you’d find yourself out from jail, as well as insanity – with the proper use and / or with moderation.  

Tags: cooking, dining, eating, health, health foods, recipes