Poppy Seeds and Drug Tests: What You Need to Know

Will eating poppy seeds mess up a drug test?

Have you ever heard that eating poppy seeds can cause a failed drug test? It might sound like just another urban myth. However, there is natural science behind the claim of poppy seeds and drug tests. A study by the Journal of Analytical Toxicology indicates that eating poppy seed-containing foods can sometimes cause a person to test positive for codeine in a urine drug test, making it difficult to tell the difference between poppy seed consumption and actual codeine use.

Previous guidelines suggested that specific codeine and morphine levels could help distinguish the two, but the researchers found this isn’t always reliable. In tests involving 11 participants, 18% of the samples showed codeine without morphine eating poppy seed foods, mimicking what someone would see in a person who had taken codeine.

For anyone in recovery, this can raise concerns. After all, the last thing you want is a misinterpreted test result threatening your progress.

In this blog by GateHouse Treatment, we’ll learn more about this association. We’ll explore how poppy seeds can affect drug tests, what you should know if you have a screening coming up, and how to avoid unnecessary stress over your test results.

Why Do Poppy Seeds Cause Drug Test Failures?

One of the most common questions about poppy seeds is whether they can really cause you to fail a drug test. It may seem far-fetched, but there are documented cases where this has happened. For instance, two New Jersey mothers are suing hospitals after being drug tested without consent, claiming poppy seed bagels led to false positive opiate results and reports of neglect.

Poppy seeds and drug tests positive results lie in the origin of the seeds themselves. Poppy seeds come from the same plant that produces opium, which is an ingredient in drugs like morphine and codeine.

While the seeds used in food don’t contain these opioids directly, they can sometimes become contaminated during the harvesting process. The opium residue, called opium milk, can remain on the seeds even after they are ready for consumption. This leftover contamination can be enough to cause a positive result in specific drug tests, particularly those looking for opioids like morphine and codeine.

So, a small amount might not make you feel any drug-like effects, but it could still show up on a drug screening.

How Much Poppy Seed Consumption Poses a Risk?

Is it one bagel, or do you have to eat a whole batch of muffins? It turns out that even small amounts of poppy seeds could potentially cause a positive test under certain conditions.

The amount of poppy seeds that pose a risk for triggering a positive drug test can vary, but even relatively small quantities can cause issues. The study “Poppy Seed Consumption May Be Associated with Codeine-Only Urine Drug Test Results” shows that consuming as little as a poppy seed roll or a small amount of raw poppy seeds can lead to detectable levels of opiates like morphine and codeine in urine and oral fluids. For example, eating a poppy seed roll or about 3.2 mg of morphine and 0.6 mg of codeine from raw seeds can result in significant drug levels that might cause a positive test. Therefore, while there is no precise “safe” amount, even modest consumption of poppy seeds can potentially lead to positive drug test results.

Moreover, the thresholds for drug tests can vary widely depending on the type of screening and the testing facility. For instance, some tests can detect morphine concentrations as low as 300 nanograms per milliliter, while others may have higher thresholds. The level of opium contamination also varies depending on how the poppy seeds are harvested and processed.

What Should You Do If You Test Positive?