Yes, they look extremely similar. You can’t legally buy seed for Papaver somniferum though.
Correct, he was using 'heirloom' seeds, lol.
Actually, the seeds of opium poppies are not regulated by the law.
It is the growing of the plant that is illegal, not possession of the seeds.
And you can totally buy those seeds online, legally.
I know this due to my research on them for survivalist purposes. After the apocalypse, it will be a valuable medicine.