Cocaine
Cocaine is a tropane alkaloid and stimulant of the central nervous system, derived primarily from the leaves of two coca species native to South America: Erythroxylum coca and E. novogranatense The leaves are processed into cocaine paste, a crude mixture of coca alkaloids, from which cocaine base is isolated and then converted to cocaine hydrochloride. Although total synthesis is possible, it is complex and not used for production. Historically, cocaine was a standard topical medication used as a local anesthetic with intrinsic vasoconstrictor properties. However, its high abuse potential, adverse effects, and cost have limited its medical use and led to its replacement by alternative medicines.
Street cocaine is commonly snorted, injected, or smoked as crack cocaine; its effects last up to 90 minutes depending on the route of administration.