This Is Your Mind on Plants

While writing his 1997 article on poppies and opium, Pollan realized that his own participation in growing and harvesting poppies could cause him to be investigated by law enforcement. How does Pollan use his personal narrative as a gardener and participant observer to advance his argument that plants such as poppies should not be illegal and that people who use them for home remedies should not be subject to punishment?

The author calls the categorization of some plants as licit and others as illicit “arbitrary.” What kinds of evidence does he include to support this portrayal? Consider his reflections on American history and include references to the text.

Pollan acknowledges that opiates can be addictive and very harmful when used inappropriately. Explain how different cultures have used this drug and the perceptions they had of the poppy plant, then compare and contrast these examples with that of modern America. Be sure to consider poppies as well as synthetic opiates and include references to the text.