NCJ Number
138353
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 37 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1992) Pages: 1158-1162
Date Published
1992
Length
5 pages
Annotation
To determine the link between residual opium on poppy seeds and impairment in Oregon, seven volunteers each ingested 25 grams of poppy seeds baked in bundt cakes.
Abstract
Poppy seeds were purchased from three local stores. Three poppy seed cakes were baked at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes and divided so that each volunteer consumed 25 grams of one brand of seeds. Testing began at 10 a.m.; subjects consumed the prescribed amount of cake within 1 hour. Urine specimens were collected up to 12 hours while drug recognition evaluations were performed 2 to 6 hours postingestion. Urine specimens were prepared for gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy confirmation using Varian's procedure of acid hydrolysis and subsequent extraction through solid phase extraction tubes. All urine specimens tested opiate-positive shortly after consuming the cake. After administering a series of standardized drug recognition evaluation tests, however, no subject exhibited symptoms of opiate impairment. The data indicate that individuals who consume large amounts of poppy seeds do not show symptoms of opiate impairment, even though they may have positive urine results. Oregon's approach to the ingestion of controlled substances, focusing on driving under impaired conditions, is noted. 10 references and 3 tables