It looks very harmless, but in this country it is strictly forbidden in gardens without the appropriate permission: the opium poppy.
You can find out why this is so here.
The opium poppy is one of the oldest useful plants and was used in ancient times for its healing properties for pain, sleep disorders or diarrhea.
Nowadays, however, the plant can only be kept in the garden with express approval from the Federal Opium Agency of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).
Why is opium poppy cultivation prohibited?
Some parts of the opium poppy plant, botanically Papaver somniferum, are harmless to humans. For example, you can find the seeds as part of the filling in poppy seed cake or in poppy seed rolls. The
milky sap
, however, occurs by heating the seed capsules containing
opium alkaloids
. This also includes
morphine
which is known as one of the most powerful pain relievers.
It prevents the transmission of pain, which lowers the sensation of pain.
Doctors use it for severe and severe acute and chronic pain.
If taken regularly, however, it leads to strong dependency, which is why it requires a strict prescription and can only be used under medical supervision.
In addition,
raw opium is
obtained
from the dried milky juice that escapes when the poppy seed capsules are scratched
.
It is used as the basis for making smoke opium or heroin.
Also interesting
: That is why you should remove plants such as cherry laurel and bamboo from the garden as quickly as possible.
Cultivation of opium poppies: possible fines and imprisonment for violations
Due to the dangerous parts of the plant, the cultivation of opium poppies for
commercial and private purposes is prohibited
in Germany
.
If you want to do it anyway, you have to submit a written application to the Federal Opium Agency and provide information on the purpose of the cultivation, among other things.
The cultivation permit is granted to private individuals for a maximum of three years and a maximum of ten square meters.
The permit fee costs 95 euros.
The legal basis for the ban is Section 3 of the Narcotics Act (BtMG).
Violation can result in up to five years imprisonment or a fine.
The strict rules are not only intended to protect people, but also animals such as horses, dogs and cats.
The alkaloids can become viable even in small doses.
Opium poppy is poisonous plant of the year 2021
In the category “poisonous food plants” the opium poppy was voted “poisonous plant of the year” in 2021.
Immediately behind it are thorn apple, rhododendron, ivy and water lily.
Almost 35 percent of the vote went to the opium poppy.
(fk)
Also read
: Warning poisonous: these five houseplants are dangerous.
These ten mistakes can ruin your garden
These ten mistakes can ruin your garden