This plant is entirely safe and legal. It has been historically referred to as wild “opium” lettuce because of its powerful pain-relieving effects. Studies have showed that the herb contains multiple active constituents that emit a milky white latex from the stems and leaves.

Lactucarium has been studied for various properties regarding central nervous system sedation and favorably effects pain centers in the brain. Lactucin is an adenosine receptor agonist. The two compounds work together to mitigate the pain response and relax the nervous system.