Coca leaf

The coca leaf comes from the coca plant, native to South America. Traditionally, indigenous peoples have chewed coca leaves to combat fatigue, hunger, and altitude sickness because they release mild stimulants. While chemically similar to cocaine, the naturally occurring alkaloids in the leaf are present in much lower, non-intoxicating amounts. In many Andean cultures, coca leaves hold cultural significance and are legally used for traditional practices. However, processing large quantities of coca leaves into pure cocaine is illegal and substances derived from the leaf are controlled due to their potential for abuse.