Hi all. New here. Over 50 and have been drinking poppy tea (again) for about a year now after a 9-year contract in Saudi Arabia. I say "again" because I first learned about poppy tea around 2000 and was able to get many good imported pods from numerous vendors relatively cheap. I don't have to tell you all how things have changed regarding procurement of these jewels. And the prices. Geez!
Anyway, the method I use and have used exclusively since starting has been to grind the pods into a powdery consistency using an inexpensive blender on "puree" mode. I then pack about 3 or 4 tablespoons of poppy powder into the bowl of the coffee maker after filling the lower chamber to the correct level with water. Screw on the top part of the coffee maker tight (as this will ensure the pressure doesn't leak out and waste a serving of powder).
Place the coffee maker over a medium heat on the stovetop and wait for it to start pressuring the water up through the powder and on up the chute where it collects in the upper chamber. When it starts "gurgleing", you can pretty much tell when it's done. One thing I DON'T do is walk away and forget it. You could blow the safety valve on the lower chamber if too much heat or pressure are present. That's why I use medium heat.
Now, you've poured this very black substance into a coffee cup and are now wondering how best to tame the putrid taste that you must now consume in order to achieve the desired state of body buzz. The only thing that has made this concoction palatable to me is Country Time Lemonade (pink or yellow). about 3 level tablespoons of CT lemonade will make this a rather enjoyable 'tea'.
Of course, the ingredient quantities can be played with somewhat to suit one's own taste. This is just what works well for me, AND this body buzz lasts me a good 10-12 hours. BTW, that much powder works out to be only 3 medium sized pods, or about 2 giants.
In conclusion, this is my first ever membership in an "alternative" forum. Ever since I was 16 years old, I have been of the "better living through chemistry" mindset. It has never consumed me, I have never been busted, and I've sampled (or should I say, absorbed) numerous subcultures from all over the world. From the great black Moroccan and Blond Lebanese hashish during my European stint in the Navy in the late '70's, to the unrestricted flow of black sticky hash for 9 years in Saudi Arabia (yea, go figure), and all the fads over the decades. The cocaine '80's, the club drug '90's, and now back to what really helps this old fart get out of bed each morning.
Please know that I am still a productive member of society, and classify myself as a "functional junkie". Yes, they do exist.
Well, it's "tea time" gotta run. Later all.
-Rick-