Tasmanian Alkaloids

Tasmanian Alkaloids is the largest opium poppy processing company in the Australian state of Tasmania.[1] Approximately forty percent of the world's legal opiate crop is grown in Tasmania.[2] Tasmanian Alkaloids is a subsidiary of the United States pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson,[3] but was formerly—as of 1980—a subsidiary of Abbott Laboratories.[4]

The company patented a poppy variety called "Norman" which was stated, in the 1999 Tasmanian Alkaloids Poppy Grower’s Bulletin to be the first variety lacking morphine and codeine, while still containing thebaine and oripavine. This variety went into commercial production in 1998. The company's processing plant is in Westbury, a town west of Launceston in the State’s north.[5] The company is licensed by both the Australian federal and state governments to carry out its opiate processing work.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Ogilvie, Felicity (25 June 2009). "Happy hops damage poppy crops". Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
  2. ↑ Young, Emma (15 November 2004). "Morphine-free poppies could help fight malaria". New Scientist.
  3. ↑ "Tasmania opium-poppy crop about ready". The Washington Times. 18 February 1994.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 International Narcotics Control Board (1981). "Demand and supply of opiates for medical and scientific needs: report of the International Narcotics Control Board for 1980" (16). United Nations. pp. 162, 164.
  5. ↑ Robinette, Glenn (2008). Did Lin Zexu Make Morphine. Graffiti Militante Press. p. 227. ISBN 0-9820787-2-2.

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