Tag: Papaver somniferum

Evidence suggests that the opium poppy (*Papaver somniferum*) was cultivated in Mesopotamia as early as 3,400 B.C., with the Sumerians calling it the 'joy plant'. For those asking, **what is an example of a narcotic plant?**, this colorful flowering plant is the primary answer, as it produces a milky latex containing powerful alkaloids used to create both life-saving medicines and illicit drugs.

Ancient texts from as far back as 5,000 years ago mention the medicinal use of opium from the opium poppy, establishing its long history in medicine. The answer to what plant has natural opioids is predominantly the opium poppy, though other plants also contain compounds that affect the opioid system, carrying a complex legacy of both medical benefit and dangerous addiction.