The plant contains beta-carbolines, which (in doses high enough) act as a psychedelic drug.

Recent taxonomical reclassification by Grey-Wilson (2006) has separated 4 new species from M. napaulensis: M. chankheliensis, M. ganeshensis, M. staintonii and M. wilsonii, while M. wallichii has been reinstated.

In light of the current reclassification by Grey-Wilson, the description of the species M. napaulensis is subsequently much more refined.

Based on the type specimen, it is only yellow in flower, with a small geographical range in central Nepal.

Prior to the recent reclassification of Meconopsis napaulensis, flower colours of the species ranged between red, purple and white, and much of what is grown in gardens under the name M. napaulensis are of this colour.