Where Does Cocaine Come From?

Close-up view of vibrant red poppy flowers in a field, with blooming poppies and buds visible, illustrating the natural origin of opiate substances

Soon after its refinement in the 19th century, cocaine was prescribed for almost any illness. It effectively became a recreational drug, as much of its first medical use was more likely a matter of abuse or addiction.  For thousands of years, inhabitants of the Andes chewed or brewed coca leaves into a tea for refreshment […]