Indian Opium

Indian opium refers to the dried latex extracted from the seed pods of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) cultivated primarily in India. This natural substance contains alkaloids like morphine and codeine, which have pain-relieving and sedative properties. Historically, India was a major producer of opium used both medicinally and in trade. Proper regulation and quality control are essential due to the potential for misuse and addiction. Today, opium and its derivatives are tightly controlled worldwide, balancing medical use with efforts to prevent illegal production and trafficking.