The Extraction of Morphine and Codeine by Brewing Poppy Seed Tea using Real-World Quantities and Methods.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: People have attempted to extract opiates from the surface of unwashed poppy seeds for recreational consumption. However, the opiate quantity within these homemade poppy seed teas is not well known, complicating risk assessment. Prior studies investigating this have used small volume samples made using laboratory-grade equipment, which may not accurately reflect opiate extractions attainable by laypersons. We quantified opiate extraction using recipes, ingredients, and equipment available to the public and at real-world volumes. METHODS: This is a two-part experiment. In the first part, we identified which of eight brewing techniques – collectively representing the possible combinations of variables we identified from our search of online forums – yielded the highest concentration of morphine and codeine. In the second part, the technique identified in the first part was applied to a composite recipe derived from recommendations found on publicly accessible online forums. Three replicates (A-C) of full volume recipes using each of three seed brands (1–3) were made using commonly available equipment. Morphine and codeine concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography/tandem-electrospray mass spectrometry. RESULTS: For part 1, all techniques yielded morphine (range: 138–2873 ng/mL) and codeine (range: 41–1083 ng/mL), but technique 2 produced the greatest yields. For part 2, technique 2 was applied to real-world equipment and ingredient ratios yielding samples with morphine concentrations of 1837–19,483 ng/mL and codeine concentrations of 296–20125 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Brewing poppy seed tea using techniques and proportions replicating real-world extractions produce widely variable quantities of morphine and codeine, including some that may be clinically relevant.