Cocaine

Cocaine (chemical name benzoylmethyl ecgonine) is an organic chemical compound that belongs to the alkaloid category. Its chemical formula is C17H21NO4. Cocaine is a colorless or white crystal substance. It is primarily extracted from coca plant, largely grown in South America.

In modern times, because of its stimulating and euphoric effects on human body, cocaine is used by humans as a local anesthetic, and, controversially, a psychoactive drug. Due to its abuse, the possession, production and distribution of cocaine has been declared illegal by most countries. In the United States, it is classified by the Controlled Substance Act as a Schedule II substance, allowing only limited medical use. Despite draconian penal codes against the consumption, production, and distribution of the drug, a black market is still flourishing.