Those who are interested in the origins of the opium plant and want to grow their garden of the infamous Papaver Somniferum plant will have no trouble finding them online. The best guide to finding dried poppy heads for sale.
Many online retailers sell opium poppy seeds, but they usually state that they are for ornamental or baking purposes. Although many buyers may purchase them for other reasons, this does not make them illegal.
It is entirely possible to successfully cultivate opium poppy pods directly from the seeds, which can be found in the spices aisle of your local grocery store. Poppy plants can also be obtained from nurseries specializing in the growth of such popular plants, but remember that the specific poppy species that grow opium may not be available.
American drug laws make no distinction between the opium poppy plant and the drug itself. So, if someone tries to grow opium plants independently, they will be charged with a felony for possessing Level II narcotics. Methamphetamine, cocaine, and morphine are examples of such drugs. So, whether you grow a single poppy for fun or 50 poppies for crafts, you can still be charged with a felony for possession under US law.
However, there is no need to be concerned because they will likely be charged for growing opium poppy plants by mistake. Rest assured that there is a small loophole where a certain level of knowledge is required, which is incorporated into the law. If a person unintentionally participates in illegal behavior, it may strengthen that person’s defense if they are ever charged. Nonetheless, if someone knowingly grows opium poppies, whether they intend to cultivate them for opium or not, they have broken the law and may face severe penalties and punishment.
This type of ‘possession’ applies only if you have the specific species known as Papaver Somniferum growing amongst your crop. If you are considering legitimately cultivating poppies from poppy seeds, there are a variety of other types available that do not contain any trace of opium. The famous California poppy is an example of such a poppy seed species. The weather conditions best for poppy plants range from arid desert to prairie. Because it is such a versatile plane, poppies can be found in almost every part of the world.
Properly cultivated opium poppy seeds can also be seen maturing into various beautiful colors and shades. Furthermore, because the poppy flower has frequently been used to represent veterans of wars throughout history, planting such opium poppy seeds is a patriotic expression.
The reason for this is due in part to the famous poem written about Flanders Field in Belgium. Organizations and war veterans have used the poppy for a variety of fundraising purposes as well as meaningful recognition. The popularity of poppy flowers can also be attributed to the numerous stories and myths about poppies on various countries’ war-torn battlefields. According to the unyielding legend, these opium plants were once snow-white but turned blood-red after a fierce battle between two adversaries.
This type of law and penalty may appear harsh because one can be charged with a felony for growing the plant, but the law is complicated for a reason. Since its discovery, opium, also known as opiates, has been a problem for humanity for hundreds of years.
The ancient Mesopotamian civilization was most likely the first to discover and cultivate poppies specifically for opium, dating back to around 3000 BC. They gave this distinct flower the name “joy plant.” This name implies that opium poppies were initially used for recreational purposes rather than medicinal purposes.
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