Opiates are a class of drugs that are used to relieve pain and are available by prescription. The use of opiates is legal when they are prescribed by a licensed medical professional and used for legitimate medical purposes.

As far as my knowledge cutoff date, April 2023, the legal use of opiates varies by country and jurisdiction, but in general, they are legal when used in accordance with medical guidelines and regulations. In many countries, opiate medications such as oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl are commonly prescribed for pain management.

However, the use of opiates can also lead to addiction and misuse, which can have significant health and social consequences. Opiate misuse and addiction can lead to overdose, withdrawal, and other negative health outcomes, and it is important to use these medications only as prescribed and under the guidance of a medical professional.

It is also important to note that the use of illegal opiates, such as heroin, is not legal and can have significant legal and health consequences. Heroin is a highly addictive and illegal drug that is associated with significant health risks, including overdose and the transmission of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.