OBJECTIVE： To provide a reference for further strengthening the supervision and administration of the management and use of Papaver somniferum. METHODS： The general information， clinical application and toxic reactions of P. somniferum were briefly described by reference to relevant literatures and on the basis of the actual work. According to current laws and regulations， the existing problems about the clinical application and management of P. somniferum were revealed， and relevant countermeasures and suggestions were put forward. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS： Both toxic and addictive， P. somniferum is the only traditional Chinese herbal medicine covered by narcotic drug management. It is mainly used in clinical practice to relieve cough， diarrhea and pain， etc. Although relevant laws and regulations have provided the specific requirements for the production， purchase， use and research & development of P. somniferum， slack enforcement of the laws and regulations， irrational use and abuse still exist. It is suggested that State Food and Drug Administration and health administrative departments should constantly improve relevant law and regulation system and detailed regulations， strengthen supervision and administration， and strictly enforce relevant laws and regulations at the units engaged in the production， management and use of P. somniferum. Meanwhile， competent authorities should strengthen publicity and training.