Transcript Opium - OldForensics 2012-2013

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opium poppy, Papaver somniferum
The common street names for opium are Ah-pen-yen,
Auntie, Auntie Emma, Big O, Chandoo, Chinese
Molasses, Chinese tobacco, God’s medicine, and hops.
The main alkaloids in opium are codein, narcotin, and
morphin, the most active being morphin which has a
chemical formula of C17H19NO3
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Opium is a complex substance that contains a mix of
alkaloids making this drug a Class A drug
Due to its high potential for addiction it is a Schedule 2
drug.
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Opium originated in Mesopotamia (Southwest Asia)
The Humerians referred to this as the Hul Gil meaning
the joy plant
Greek and Roman physicians used opium for a pain
reliever and sleep inducer
As people began to learn more about the powers of the
plant, more people began to demand Opium and
wanted to expand its availability
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Opium comes from a plant so production can come
from plating Opium seeds and growing the plants until
they are well enough to extract the drugs from
It is made by extracting the sticky gum that oozes out of
the opium poppy plant
Production has slowed down since 1906 where 41,000
tons were produced compared to studies in 2002 that
show only 5,000 tons were produced
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Studies have shown that the most common users for
opium are under the age of 30 and those who are over
the age of 40 have a smaller percentage of using the
drug
In the 1960’s, males outnumbered females in the usage
of Opium
The drug helps people to relax and relieves pain and
anxiety
It can be bought at the black market or from a drug
dealer
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Opium lasts about four hours
Opiates replace nerve receptors and work as a pain
killer
This drug is highly addictive therefore physical and
psychological dependence occur quickly
The medicinal value used to be to work as a pain killer
but now it has no medicinal value
Side affects include:
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Sweating
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Loss of appetite
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Impaired vision
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Inability to concentrate
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Altered mood and thought processes
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The drug is highly addictive and it replaces chemicals
in the body
The brain and body can become used to being
provided the chemicals causing an imbalance of
chemicals in the body
The person can experience withdrawal and can
become nauseated or depressed
The lethal dose for opium is about 120-125 mg which is
about two grams of opium
The presence of opium stays in the body for a long time
which makes it possible to detect it through:
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Saliva testing (can detect after a few days of use)
Hair testing (can detect after three months of last
usage)
Blood testing
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For a first offense of 2.2 lb (1 kg) or more of a Schedule
II substance is 10 years to life
A second offense carries a minimum 20-year sentence
and fines not to exceed eight and 20 million dollars
Fines of up to four million dollars for individuals and 10
million dollars for organizations
There are many rehab centers and facilities that help
people with addictions and encourage people to speak
out for those who are addicted and help them seek
help
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(n.d.). Retrieved from http://ecstasy.com.ua/opium/opium-legalconsequences
How to pass a opium test. (2008). Retrieved January 7, 2013, from
http://mbdetox.com/blog/how-to-pass/opium-drug-test-detectiontime/
Opium history. (2004). Retrieved January 7, 2013, from
http://www.deamuseum.org/ccp/opium/history.html
Opium street names. (2006). Retrieved January 7, 2013, from
http://www.soberrecovery.com/alcoholdrugtreatment/article/drugstreet-names/opium.html
Opium narcotics. (2007). Retrieved January 7, 2013, from
http://opioids.com/narcotic-drugs/chapter-2.html
Opium laws. (2009). Retrieved January 7, 2013, from
http://www.release.org.uk/drugs-law/drugs-a-to-z/opium
Opium addiction. (n.d.). Retrieved January 7, 2013, from
http://www.opiumaddiction.com/
Dangers of Opium. (n.d.). Retrieved January 7, 2013, from
http://www.livestrong.com/article/15716-dangers-smoking-opium/