Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Which of these drugs is classified as a stimulant?

1. Marijuana

2. Heroin

3. Cocaine

4. LSD

The correct answer is: Cocaine

Cocaine is classified as a stimulant due to its ability to increase alertness, attention, and energy by elevating levels of dopamine in the brain. Stimulants typically enhance the activity of the central nervous system, leading to increased heart rate and heightened alertness. Cocaine achieves this through its mechanism of blocking the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, which results in prolonged effects of these chemicals and produces feelings of euphoria. In contrast, marijuana is primarily recognized as a cannabinoid and has depressant-like effects. Heroin is classified as an opioid and acts mainly as a depressant on the central nervous system. LSD is a hallucinogen, altering perception and mood rather than stimulating the central nervous system in the traditional sense. This distinction helps clarify why cocaine is categorized specifically as a stimulant among the options provided.