Poppy tea drinking in East Anglia

Area of Science:

• Social and historical study of traditional practices.
• Drug use and dependency research.
• Public health and toxicology.

Background:

• Poppy tea drinking was a traditional practice in Fenlands, East Anglia, during the 19th century.
• Social changes led to a decline in this practice.
• Poppy tea drinking has recently been revived in the illicit drug-using community.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the resurgence of poppy tea drinking among drug users.
• To understand the patterns of use and perceived risks associated with poppy tea consumption.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted among patients at the Cambridge Drug Dependency Unit.
• Self-report questionnaires were used to gather data on poppy tea consumption.

Main Results:

• Forty-three patients admitted to drinking poppy tea, primarily during summer months and intermittently.
• The potency of the poppy tea infusions was variable and unpredictable, generally low.
• Drug users perceived poppy tea as a harmless activity alongside other drug misuse, with poisoning from herbicides and pesticides being the main perceived risk.

Conclusions:

• Poppy tea drinking persists as a secondary activity within the illicit drug-using community.
• Despite low potency, risks associated with contamination and unpredictable strength warrant attention.
• Further research is needed to fully assess the public health implications of this practice.