It said the stolen alkaloid poppy plant “heads” were very different from traditional opioid poppies.<\/p>\n
The warning said the plants contained “dangerously high concentrations” of thebaine and oripavine, and only trace amounts of morphine and codeine found in traditional opioids.<\/p>\n
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The health department says alkaloid poppies are not like traditional opioid poppies. (Supplied: Victorian Department of Health)<\/p>\n
Thebaine does not produce pain relief, sedation or euphoria, and instead ingestion could lead to seizures, high body temperature, and life-threatening toxicity.<\/p>\n
“Any exposure to thebaine may cause toxicity,” the department said.<\/p>\n
While oripavine has some opioid activity, the department said it was not used medically because it could also cause severe toxicity and life-threatening complications at high doses.<\/p>\n
“The effects may be unpredictable, particularly when combined with thebaine,” the department said.<\/p>\n
It said while the opioid-reversal drug naloxone<\/a> would reverse the opioid effects of oripavine, it would not reverse the toxic stimulant effects of either oripavine or thebaine.<\/p>\n Caution when consuming poppy flower products<\/p>\n The department said poppy plant products, which could include dried flower heads without petals, ground material or liquid preparations might contain high concentrations of thebaine and oripavine.<\/p>\n It said in 2022-23, at least 40 people experienced life-threatening conditions after consuming thebaine-contaminated poppy seed “tea”.<\/p>\n These symptoms included agitation, muscle twitching, high body temperature and seizures.<\/p>\n The department said anyone experiencing toxic drug effects should contact Triple Zero immediately.<\/p>\n Last month in Tasmania, police said 2,500 square metres worth of poppies<\/a> were stolen from a farm in the Northern Midlands.<\/p>\n