Although it is often considered a noxious weed, I. purpurea is also grown for its attractive purple and white flowers, and has many cultivars.

[9] Commercial morning glory seeds are commonly treated with toxic methylmercury, which serves as a preservative and a cumulative neurotoxic poison that is considered useful by some to discourage their recreational use.

The US has no legal requirement to disclose to buyers that seeds have been treated with a toxic heavy metal compound.

[10] According to the book Substances of Abuse, in addition to methylmercury, the seeds are commonly coated with a chemical [which?]

that cannot be removed with washing that is designed to cause unpleasant physical symptoms, such as nausea and abdominal pain.