Dear ali3-ga;
Thank you for allowing me an opportunity to answer your interesting question.
The answer is: "Neither"
Technically speaking, OPIATES are drugs derived from the OPIUM POPPY
(Papaver Somniferum). OPIOIDS, on the other hand, are synthetically
produced drugs that have chemical or pharmacological effects on the
brain ?similar? to that of an opiate.
Cocaine does not come from the Opium Poppy at all, but is derived from
the naturally occurring COCA bush, a native species of South America.
This rules it out as being classified as an ?opiate?.
Cocaine is also a powerful central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and
its reaction with the human brain?s opioid receptors do not at all
resemble that of an opiate, effectively ruling out the proper
classification of ?opioid?.
So, in short, cocaine is neither opiate nor opioid, but technically an
ALKALOID derivative of the Coca plant.
I hope you find that my research exceeds your expectations. If you
have any questions about my research please post a clarification
request prior to rating the answer. Otherwise I welcome your rating
and your final comments and I look forward to working with you again
in the near future. Thank you for bringing your question to us.
Best regards;
Tutuzdad-ga ? Google Answers Researcher
INFORMATION SOURCES
KFX - COCAINE
http://www.ixion.demon.co.uk/cocaine.htm
KFX - OPIATES
http://www.ixion.demon.co.uk/opiates%20and%20opioids.htm
REPORT ? MEDICAL BOTANY SEMINAR
http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/Wilson/481/medbot/erytmed.htm
SEARCH STRATEGY
SEARCH ENGINE USED:
Google ://www.google.com
SEARCH TERMS USED:
COCAINE CLASSIFICATION
OPIATE
OPIOID |
