Fatal intoxications in Denmark following intake of morphine from opium poppies |
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Authors: | A Steentoft E Kaa K Worm |
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Institution: | Institute of Forensic Chemistry. University of Copenhagen, Denmark. |
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Abstract: | In Denmark it is legal to grow opium poppies for the production of poppy seeds and until 1986 for decoration purposes, too. Danish poppy capsules contain 0.3-5 mg morphine per capsule and the content of morphine in opium exuded from the capsules may amount to 24%. This has resulted in misuse as both fresh and dried poppy capsules have been used for the production of "opium tea". During the period 1982-1985, seven casualties occurred among drug addicts in Denmark which were solely or partly caused by these opium poppies. |
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