What would be a primary characteristic of an opiate?

Opiates are primarily characterized as being derived from the opium poppy plant, which is where they originate. This distinguishes them from other classes of drugs. Opiates, such as morphine and codeine, are naturally occurring alkaloids that are extracted from the latex of the opium poppy. This botanical origin is what defines them as opiates rather than synthetics, which would be classified as opioids if they mimic the effects of opiates but are chemically manufactured.

The calming effect of drugs in this category is a consequence of their action on the central nervous system, where they tend to produce sedation and pain relief. However, not all opiates exclusively provide a calming effect; their primary defining trait is indeed their plant-derived nature.