Which is true about the coca plant?

The coca plant is well-known for being the primary source of cocaine, a powerful stimulant drug. This plant contains alkaloids that can be extracted and processed to produce cocaine, which is used illicitly for its psychoactive effects. The cultivation and harvesting of coca leaves are significant in certain regions, particularly in South America, where the plant is traditionally chewed for its mild stimulant effects and used in various cultural practices.

In contrast, options related to morphine and opium pertain to the opium poppy, not the coca plant. Morphine is derived from opium, which is produced from the latex of the opium poppy, while opium itself is directly linked to this plant and not coca. Furthermore, although synthetic narcotics can be created in laboratories, the coca plant is not a direct source for these substances, as synthetic narcotics are predominantly based on different chemical structures than those found in coca. Thus, stating that the coca plant is a source of cocaine accurately reflects its recognized role and significance in drug production.