Coroner's Finding: Pedersen, Jonas Havskov

26y · Male·morphine intoxication due to ingestion of poppy tea

A 26-year-old Danish student died from morphine intoxication following ingestion of poppy tea made from illegally harvested opium poppy heads in Tasmania. He had researched poppy tea preparation online and harvested poppy material from commercial fields despite warning signs. After consuming the tea on 16 February 2014, he developed signs of opioid toxicity that evening, including feeling unwell, vomiting multiple times, and requiring assistance to walk. His companion provided supportive care through the night. The deceased was found unresponsive the following morning with pulmonary oedema (foam around mouth and nose), indicating respiratory depression and aspiration risk. Post-mortem toxicology confirmed elevated morphine levels. The coroner found the death unintentional, resulting from the deceased's own actions in harvesting and consuming an uncontrolled substance of unknown potency. Clinical lessons include recognising opioid toxicity signs and considering naloxone administration in suspected overdose situations.