Hazardous Substances
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Street names: Cal poppy, Eschscholzia, Cup of gold
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Mildly sedating isoquinoline alkaloids (protopine) — chamomile-strength, not opium
⚠Key risks
- CONFUSION RISK: the name invites association with opium poppy — it contains NO morphine; the confusion cuts both ways (false reassurance buyers, and mistaken drug tests are not a thing — different chemistry)
- Very low harm; pregnancy caution
- The actual risk is buying 'california poppy' that is adulterated with real poppy material
✚Overdose signs
- Mild sedation, nausea at high doses
📋Quick facts
Also known asCal poppy, Eschscholzia, Cup of gold
CategoryHazardous Substances
Schedule / classLegal herb (distinct from OPIUM poppy — different genus entirely)
AppearanceDried aerial parts; orange-flowered California state flower; mild sedative teas/tinctures
Street price$5–$12 per ounce
Legal statusLegal; some jurisdictions regulate pick of the flower
Last updated2026-09-18
Sources: EMA, PubMed
Category comparison — Hazardous Substances
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) | Legal herb | CONFUSION RISK: the name invites association with opium poppy — it contains NO morphine; the confusion cuts both ways (false reassurance buyers, and mistaken drug tests are not a thing — different chemistry); Very low harm; pregnancy caution | $5–$12 per ounce |
| Poppy Seeds & Poppy Seed Tea | Seeds legal | BATCH VARIANCE IS THE KILLER: morphine content swings wildly by origin and washing — the same cup size can be mild or fatal; multiple deaths documented; Positive drug tests for morphine — job/parole consequences from 'just tea' | $5–$15 per lb food-grade |
| Wild Lettuce (Lactuca virosa) | Unregulated herb; legal | The marketing vastly exceeds the pharmacology — but the placebo works on desperation; Wild-harvest misidentification risk (lookalike plants) | $8–$20 per ounce herb |
| Poppy Seeds & Poppy Seed Tea | Seeds legal | BATCH VARIANCE IS THE KILLER: morphine content swings wildly by origin and washing — the same cup size can be mild or fatal; multiple deaths documented; Positive drug tests for morphine — job/parole consequences from 'just tea' | $5–$15 per lb food-grade |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) look like?
Dried aerial parts; orange-flowered California state flower; mild sedative teas/tinctures
What are the signs of a California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) overdose?
Mild sedation, nausea at high doses Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
CONFUSION RISK: the name invites association with opium poppy — it contains NO morphine; the confusion cuts both ways (false reassurance buyers, and mistaken drug tests are not a thing — different chemistry) Dependence can develop with regular use.
🔗Sources & further reading
Facts on this page are compiled from these primary sources. External links open in a new tab.