What is the primary source of heroin?

The primary source of heroin is the poppy plant, specifically the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). This plant produces opium, which contains several alkaloids, the most notable of which is morphine. Heroin is synthesized from morphine, making the poppy plant the original source of this substance. The cultivation of opium poppy for the production of heroin has a long history and is the cornerstone of the illegal heroin trade worldwide. By contrast, the cocoa plant is associated with cocaine production, synthetic laboratories focus on creating drugs through chemical processes rather than using natural sources, and the marijuana plant is used to produce THC and other cannabinoids, not heroin. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the origins and classifications of different drugs.