A person is brought to a rehabilitation centre exhibiting a strong sense of euphoria and increased energy. The medical history reveals that at higher doses, the individual experiences hallucinations. The drug responsible for these symptoms is obtained from a plant native to South America. Identify the plant source and the most common route of administration for this drug.

Step-by-step solution

The symptoms described (euphoria, increased energy, and hallucinations at high doses) are characteristic of cocaine intoxication. Cocaine is an alkaloid obtained from the coca plant Erythroxylum coca, which is native to South America. According to NCERT, cocaine, commonly called coke or crack, is usually snorted. Papaver somniferum yields opioids like heroin, which act as depressants rather than stimulants. Cannabis sativa yields cannabinoids, which are known for their effects on the cardiovascular system and are n