Ep 16. Poppy Seed Drug Test

In season 1 episode 16 of MythBusters, titled "Poppy Seed Drug Test," the team sets out to investigate the common myth that eating poppy seeds before taking a drug test can cause false positives for opioids. They begin their investigation by testing various amounts of poppy seeds and analyzing the results of drug tests taken after consumption.

To start, the team conducts a baseline drug test on each member to ensure they all test negative for opioids. They then consume different amounts of poppy seeds, ranging from a quarter teaspoon to five tablespoons, in various forms, including muffins, bagels, and lemon poppy seed cake. After an allotted time, they take another drug test to see if any of them test positive.

The team also conducts a survey of police departments, drug testing facilities, and medical professionals to gather information on the accuracy of poppy seed drug tests. They discover that the threshold for a positive test result varies among different facilities and that some have completely stopped using the test altogether due to false positives.

In addition to testing poppy seeds' effects on drug tests, the team also investigates the dangers of consuming large amounts of poppy seeds. They discover that poppy seeds contain trace amounts of morphine and codeine, which can have some mild side effects, especially when consumed in large quantities.

Overall, the episode presents a thorough investigation of the poppy seed drug test myth, including analysis of the science behind drug tests and the potential dangers of consuming large amounts of poppy seeds. The results of their tests are surprising and shed new light on the accuracy of poppy seed drug tests.