Utah Special Function Officer (SFO) Practice Exam

Which substances fall under the category of narcotics?

1. Alcohol and caffeine

2. Opioids and morphine

3. Marijuana and cannabis

4. Herbal teas

The correct answer is: Opioids and morphine

Narcotics are typically defined as substances that can induce sedation, relieve pain, and have the potential for abuse and dependence. Opioids, which include compounds like morphine, are central to this classification as they act on the opioid receptors in the brain to produce their analgesic effects. The reason this answer is correct lies in the fact that both opioids and morphine are explicitly categorized as narcotics. Opioids refer to a class of drugs that include natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic substances derived from the opium poppy or designed to mimic these substances. Morphine is one of the most well-known natural opioids and is frequently used in medical settings for pain relief. Other options, such as alcohol and caffeine or marijuana and cannabis, do not fit the traditional classification of narcotics, despite their psychoactive effects. Herbal teas are typically considered safe and lack any narcotic properties. This distinction is crucial for understanding the pharmacological classification and legal implications surrounding the use of narcotics in medical and recreational contexts.