Which of the following is a naturally occurring opiate?

Codeine is a naturally occurring opiate because it is derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum). This drug is one of the primary alkaloids extracted directly from the plant along with morphine. Codeine is commonly used for its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties and in cough syrups due to its effectiveness in suppressing cough.

In contrast, the other options—fentanyl, hydrocodone, and oxycodone—are synthetic or semi-synthetic opioids. Fentanyl is entirely synthetic, while hydrocodone and oxycodone are semi-synthetic opioids that are chemically modified from naturally occurring compounds like codeine and thebaine, respectively. This distinction is important as it illustrates the source and classification of these substances, highlighting why codeine qualifies as a naturally occurring opiate.