Cocaine Cocaine is a drug obtained from the coca plant. It is used medically as an anesthetic and as an illegal drug. It is mostly produced in countries in South America such a Columbia and Mexico. It is also produced in many other countries including the United States. The traditional method of cocaine use is to chew the leaves of the coca plant, giving a mild stimulation. Powder cocaine which is the most popular today is usually inhaled or injected into a vein and provides a lower high with major effects lasting almost 30 minutes. Freebase cocaine is usually smoked and causes a strong, short-lived peak for about 3- 5 m